Sri Lanka's Apex Organisation for Export Promotion
Colombo, June 2, 2025 – The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Union (EU), successfully organized the Pitching Event for the ExpoScaleUp program at the Ramada Hotel in Colombo. Supported under the European Union's regional initiative 'Accelerating Climate Smart and Inclusive Infrastructure in South Asia (ACSIIS)’ as part of the EU Global Gateway Strategy, this milestone event is a key component of the Sri Lanka Export Excellence Initiative (SLEEI) 2025.
Sri Lanka Export Development Board organized the Technical Exposure programme & the product display parallel to “Style Bangkok 2025” for the Sri Lankan export potential SME companies in collaboration with the Sri Lankan Embassy in Thailand from 01st to 06th April 2025 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) officially launched the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub web page under the framework of the United Kingdom (UK) Government-funded SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to empower women-led businesses and integrate them into global trade.
Sri Lanka's export sector demonstrated remarkable resilience and steady progress during the first four months of 2025, with total exports reaching US$ 5,583.25 Mn, marking a robust 6.9% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This upward trend reflects renewed momentum across key industries and underscores the sector’s adaptability in an evolving global trade landscape.
A strategic planning session focusing on current export conditions, regional potential, and the necessary interventions to enhance export development in the North Western and North Central Provinces was held recently at the Kurunegala District Secretariat. The session was chaired by Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, with the objective of strengthening provincial-level contributions to Sri Lanka’s national export development agenda.
Sri Lankan Giftware and Lifestyle sector blends traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, producing unique items such as batiks, handloom textiles, wooden products, and ceramic products, bamboo and rattan products with annual export revenue over USD 60 Mn. Most of the potential exporters can be categorized under SME category which provide direct employment for over 200,000 people including Artisans.
A team of officials from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) visited the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) on 25th April, 2025 to initiate discussions on the formulation of the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) for 2025–2029, a key initiative announced in the 2025 Budget under the "A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life" policy framework.
A strategic discussion aimed at enhancing the contribution of provincial export development was held on 22nd April 2025 under the patronage of Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, at the Matara District Secretariat. The event marked the initiation of a pilot project in the Southern Province, designed to develop and implement a structured export-oriented action plan at the Divisional Secretariat level.
Sri Lanka has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth in its export sector during the first quarter of 2025, with total exports reaching US$ 4,212.13 Mn, reflecting a robust 5.87% growth compared to the same period last year.
The Export Development Board (EDB) and the Sri Lanka Police have signed a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen mutual cooperation in investigations related to anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recently hosted the 25th Exporters’ Forum at its headquarters, providing a vital platform for exporters to voice their concerns and seek practical solutions to challenges faced in the export sector. Held on March 24, 2025, the Forum attracted a diverse group of stakeholders from the export industry.
Total exports, including both merchandise and services, reached at US$ 1,382.53 Mn in February 2025, marking a notable 4.62% year-on- year growth compared to February 2024. Additionally, exports recorded a 2.58% month-on-month increase compared to January 2025.
The Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the German Import Promotion Desk (IPD), successfully completed the SME sourcing mission for 2025, aimed at boosting Sri Lankan exports to the European market.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Import Promotion Desk (IPD) Germany, has taken another significant step toward empowering Export oriented women entrepreneurs by launching Phase II of the "EDB-IPD Women-Led Exports" Capacity Building Programme. This initiative aims to further enhance the export potential of women-led businesses in Sri Lanka’s agricultural sector by equipping them with essential skills, technical expertise, and international market exposure.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) successfully conducted a one-day training workshop titled “Enhancing Logistics Expertise: From Order Identification to Export Success” at the EDB. The program aimed to equip exporters and startups with essential logistics knowledge to streamline their export operations and improve their competitiveness in international markets.
Sri Lanka’s exports have surged past $1.3 billion in January 2025, marking a strong and promising start to the year! This remarkable growth reflects the resilience, innovation, and competitiveness of Sri Lankan industries, paving the way for sustained economic success.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) organized a Market Exposure and Capacity Building Programme for seven SMEs, including four women entrepreneurs, parallel to the BIOFACH exhibition in Germany from 10th to 14th February, 2025. This programme was organized in collaboration with the Import Promotion Desk, Germany, and the Sri Lanka Embassy in Berlin.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the host institution of SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub, in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), recently facilitated the participation of Selyn Exporters (Pvt) Limited and Candle House Ceylon, two Sri Lankan women-led businesses, at Ambiente 2025, one of the world’s premier trade fairs for consumer goods held in Frankfurt, Germany. This initiative was part of the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, funded by the United Kingdom's (UK) International Development.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), successfully conducted a Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme under the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, funded by UK International Development.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC), successfully conducted a two day training on Branding and Digital Marketing under the SheTrades Commonwealth+ Programme, funded by United Kingdom (UK) International Development. The training, held on 13th and 14th February 2025 in Colombo, was designed to enhance the branding, social media presence, and digital marketing capabilities of 40 export oriented women-led businesses.
