Sri Lanka's Apex Organisation for Export Promotion
A meeting was held recently between the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and consultants to the European Commission, Paul Baker and Talal Rafi, to exchange views and insights on the potential impact of the EU India Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on Sri Lanka’s export sectors.
Marking a historic milestone in Sri Lanka’s fresh fruit exports, the first-ever 20-foot container of fresh Sri Lankan pineapples (Ananas comosus) was successfully shipped to the Pakistani market on August 21.
The 26th Exporters' Forum, organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), was successfully held today (August 19) at the EDB premises, chaired by Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti. The forum provided an important opportunity for exporters to present their business challenges directly to policymakers and obtain practical solutions.
Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) organized a seminar cum workshop on Hand Soldering Techniques and Wire Harness Techniques in association with Vocational Training Authority of Sri Lanka (VTA), Global Electronics Association (IPC India), and Sri Lanka Electronic and Electrical Manufacturers and Exporters Association (SLEEMEA) on 14th August 2026 at K-TEC Orugodawatta. This event was the first of its kind held in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) organized a seminar cum workshop on Hand Soldering Techniques and Wire Harness Techniques in association with National Apprentice & Industrial Training Authority (NAITA), Global Electronics Association (IPC India), and Sri Lanka Electronic Manufacturers and Exporters Association (SLEMEA) on 13th August 2026 at Kenimadala Auditorium, NAITA Head Office. This event was the first of its kind held in Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the host institution of the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub recently held a one-day awareness programme on “Using Social Media for Export Marketing” at the Divisional Secretariat Office, Panadura, targeting export-oriented women entrepreneurs. The programme was conducted in collaboration with Foundation.lk, the knowledge partner, which shared practical expertise on digital marketing and online business development.
A team of officials led by the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recently conducted an observation visit to Ashadi Jewellers (Pvt) Ltd, one of the country's leading jewelry manufacturing enterprises. The visit aimed to assess and provide the necessary support to strengthen the company's export capabilities.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), with the support of the Sri Lanka High Commission in New Delhi and the Sri Lanka Consulate in Mumbai, is organizing a Sri Lankan Business Delegation to India from 08th to 13th August 2026, with a focus on strengthening bilateral trade and investment relations and expanding opportunities for Sri Lanka’s Gem & Jewellery sector in the Indian market.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) is intensifying efforts to unlock the country's vast graphite potential by promoting value addition, expanding international market access, and strengthening partnerships with leading industry players. As part of this initiative, EDB officials recently undertook a field visit to witness the complete graphite mining and processing operations of Bogala Graphite Lanka PLC, one of the world's leading producers of premium natural vein graphite.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and with the support of the European Union (EU) under the “Accelerating Climate Smart and Inclusive Infrastructure in South Asia (ACSIIS)” programme, has launched the third cohort of ExpoScaleUp, a flagship program designed to help Sri Lankan SMEs compete and grow in international markets.
The National Packaging Centre (NPC) in collaboration with the Export Agriculture Division (EAD) of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), successfully conducted a workshop on “Cinnamon Packaging and Compliance with EU Regulations” for members of the GI Association, exporters, and potential exporters. Held on 22nd July 2026 at the DHPL Training Arena, the program attracted nearly 100 participants, underscoring the strong interest in preparing Sri Lankan exporters for evolving global standards.
A delegation from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) paid an official courtesy visit to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), marking an important engagement between the two institutions to review their longstanding partnership and discuss future initiatives aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s export development and economic growth.
Sri Lanka's export sector continued to demonstrate resilience and sustained growth, with the country's total exports surpassing the US$ 9 billion milestone during the first half of 2026. Combined merchandise and services exports reached an estimated US$ 9,012.24 Mn during the January–June 2026 period, representing an 8% year-on-year increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) welcomed His Excellency Mr. Jan Thesleff, Ambassador of Sweden to Sri Lanka, for an official meeting at the EDB on 14th July 2026. The meeting was chaired by Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the EDB, and attended by senior EDB officials. Mr. Sanjay Kulatunga, Honorary Consul-General of Sweden in Sri Lanka, also participated in the discussions.
Mr. Yannick Gaudin, Programme Officer - Expertise France, met EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe and senior officials of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) on the 09th July to lay the foundation for a fruitful engagement with the island’s apex export promotion agency as part of accomplishing the objectives of the project, Lanka's sustainable, climate-resilient, and circular trade potential as part of the EU’s Global Advancing Sustainable Trade between the EU and Sri Lanka, which aims to promote Sri Gateway Strategy. Expertise France is the coordination and implementation agency of the project, which is funded by the EU.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development (MOI&ED), announces that the deadline for online exhibitor registration for “Sri Lanka Expo 2027” will be open till 31st July, 2026.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Import Promotion Desk (IPD), Germany, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), reaffirming their long-standing partnership to strengthen export development and enhance market access for Sri Lankan Export Oriented SMEs.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) successfully organized the North Western and North Central Provinces Exporters' Networking Forum, held recently at the Nilawin Hotel & Resort in Chillaw.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Union (EU), successfully conducted the 07th Provincial ExpoNavigator Programme under the Sri Lanka Export Excellence Initiative (SLEEI) 2026 in Batticaloa.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the host institution of the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub, collaborated with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the British High Commission in Colombo to launch two sector-specific export handbooks in Sinhala and Tamil. The handbooks aim to strengthen Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) export readiness to better access the United Kingdom (UK) market.
