EDB Chief Says Export Future Is Not Just Bright, but Boundless

Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe said Sri Lanka’s export sector is entering a phase of unprecedented expansion, driven by innovation, value addition and renewed policy momentum, declaring that its future is “not just bright—it is boundless.”

Wijesinghe made these remarks at the 27th Presidential Export Awards Ceremony held at the BMICH, attended by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Ministers Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando and Sunil Handunneththi, along with exporters, policymakers, diplomats and industry leaders.

Aligning with the Government’s economic vision, the EDB has set a medium-term target of USD 36 billion in export revenue by 2030, a goal Wijesinghe described as ambitious yet realistic, grounded in sustainable and ethical sourcing, expanded global market access and Sri Lanka’s transformation into a regional value-chain hub.

He noted that Sri Lanka recorded export earnings of USD 14 billion so far in the 2024/2025 financial year, marking a historic milestone and exceptional year-on-year growth, achieved through exporters’ focus on innovation, premium quality and value addition.

Positioning exporters as the backbone of the country’s economic transformation, Wijesinghe said institutional development combined with private sector dynamism could significantly reshape Sri Lanka’s global trade footprint. He cited the reactivation of the Export Development Council of Ministers and the formulation of a National Export Development Plan as signs of renewed government commitment.

While celebrating the sector’s achievements, Wijesinghe cautioned against complacency, stressing that recent milestones should serve as a springboard rather than a finish line, as Sri Lanka now aims to build a more competitive, diversified and sustainable export economy.

Paying tribute to exporters, Wijesinghe described them as innovators, risk-takers and job creators whose success directly translates into national progress.