The 26th Exporters’ Forum, organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), was successfully held on August 19 at the EDB premises, providing exporters with an important platform to raise industry concerns directly with policymakers and seek practical solutions to challenges affecting the country’s export sector.

The forum was chaired by Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, who emphasised the Government’s commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s economy by reducing barriers faced by exporters and creating a more supportive environment for international trade.

Minister Handunnetti noted that challenges affecting exporters extend beyond Colombo and highlighted ongoing efforts to address these concerns at provincial and district levels through closer engagement with relevant government institutions.

He further stressed that the Government’s priority is to increase the overall volume and value of exports, rather than focusing solely on expanding the number of exporters. Particular attention is being given to enabling rural producers to access international markets by improving their understanding of global market requirements, packaging standards and appropriate technologies.

Speaking at the event, EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe outlined Sri Lanka’s export ambitions under the National Export Development Plan. The country has set an ambitious target of achieving USD 36 billion in export earnings by 2030, following a record export value of USD 17.3 billion in 2025 and a targeted export value of USD 19 billion for 2026.

The Chairman also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in overcoming practical and trade-related obstacles. Several concerns raised by exporters had already been referred to relevant government institutions through the Export Facilitation Task Force, while the forum provided an opportunity to directly address outstanding issues and identify possible solutions.

The discussions reflected the Government’s broader objective of making Sri Lanka’s export environment more efficient, competitive and business-friendly. By facilitating direct dialogue between exporters, policymakers and government agencies, the forum sought to strengthen coordination and accelerate responses to industry concerns.

The event was attended by Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources Ramalingam Chandrasekaran, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy Eranga Udesh Weeraratne, EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe, EDB Director General Erandika Dissanayake, Dr. Sanjeewa Rathnasekara, Director of the Trade Facilitation and Trade Information Division, as well as representatives from export advisory committees, exporters’ associations, chambers of commerce, private sector organisations and government institutions.

The 26th Exporters’ Forum ultimately served as an important platform for strengthening communication between Sri Lanka’s export community and policymakers. It also demonstrated the Government’s continued focus on removing trade barriers, improving export facilitation and creating conditions that can support greater participation in international markets.

With Sri Lanka targeting significant growth in export earnings over the coming years, continued collaboration between government agencies and the private sector will remain essential to improving competitiveness, expanding market access and supporting sustainable economic growth.