The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recently hosted a pivotal event titled the “National Export Roadmap – The CEO Forum.” This gathering brought together chief executives and top officials from the country’s leading institutions. The purpose was to inform them about the National Export Roadmap and develop a strategic direction for the future of Sri Lanka’s export sector.
The forum provided a significant platform for policymakers and senior private sector representatives to engage in high-level discussions regarding the nation’s long-term export vision. Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the EDB, presented the objectives of the forum along with details of the National Export Roadmap. He delivered a comprehensive presentation on the strategic objectives and framework outlined in the National Export Development Plan, which aims to transform Sri Lanka’s export sector to reach a target of US$ 36 billion in export revenue by 2030.
The EDB Chairman expressed strong optimism about Sri Lanka’s export potential, describing the gathering as a defining moment in the country’s economic recovery. He emphasized the importance of creating new opportunities to integrate Sri Lankan business leaders into the global export market, with the goal of achieving the $36 billion target by 2030.
The forum was attended by several notable figures including Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development; Hon. Kumara Jayakody, Minister of Energy; Hon. Hanif Yusoof, Governor of the Western Province; Hon. Chaturanga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development; Mrs. J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; and Ms. Renuka Weerakoon, Director General of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, alongside numerous senior executives from the private sector.
The event facilitated the sharing of insights and engaged industry leaders in discussions focused on actionable strategies. A key theme was the necessity of adopting a ‘whole-of-government approach’ to transform the export ecosystem. Participants highlighted the need for strong institutional partnerships and coordinated actions across government agencies to drive sustainable growth in both the export sector and the broader economy.
The forum also saw the participation of the EDB’s Director General, Mr. Erandika Dissanayake, Acting Additional Director General (Development) Ms. Kumuduni Mudalige, and Director of Trade Facilitation & Trade Information, Dr. Sanjeewa Rathnasekara, along with senior officials from the Sri Lanka Export Development Board.
