FINANCIAL CHRONICLE – The launch of “Edges of Sri Lanka,” a national branding initiative aimed at promoting the island in global markets, took place alongside the Sri Lanka Expo 2026. This initiative was developed by the Export Development Board in collaboration with the Board of Investment, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and Deloitte as a knowledge partner. According to Deloitte, “Edges of Sri Lanka” provides an evidence-based perspective on the established strengths and evolving capabilities contributing to Sri Lanka’s competitiveness, resilience, and long-term growth.
The initiative supports the Expo’s objective of reinforcing Sri Lanka’s positioning under the theme “Island with Infinite Opportunities,” aligning national narratives, market engagement, and investment promotion. The Sri Lanka Expo 2026 aims to showcase Sri Lanka’s export and investment potential while facilitating direct engagement with global buyers and investors through structured platforms, such as business-to-business (B2B) meetings. The expo seeks to bolster Sri Lanka’s reputation as a competitive sourcing destination and create avenues for exporters and investors to establish commercially viable partnerships.
Minister of Industry Sunil Handunnetti stated, “It is a strategic platform for our exporters to reach new markets, attract international buyers, and showcase the best of Sri Lanka. It brings together our policies, our products, and our people to create real business opportunities in international markets.”
The Sri Lanka Expo 2026 exhibition is scheduled from June 18 to 21 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) in Colombo. It will feature export-oriented industries and services, covering agriculture, industrial products, and export services, alongside thematic focus areas such as sustainability, innovation, technology, culture, and global connectivity.
Within this framework, “Edges of Sri Lanka” plays a foundational role, complementing the Expo’s engagement and deal-making function by providing international stakeholders with deeper context and insight. Through curated case studies, the initiative highlights Sri Lankan enterprises that demonstrate adaptive business models, innovation-led growth, and globally relevant capabilities rooted in local strengths.
EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe commented, “For exporters, the Expo opens pathways to new markets and strategic partnerships. For international buyers and investors, ‘Edges of Sri Lanka’ offers a clearer understanding of the quality, talent, and resilience that define Sri Lanka’s business environment.”
Channa Manoharan, Country Managing Partner, Deloitte Sri Lanka & Maldives, added, “‘Edges of Sri Lanka’ shines a light on a few of the country’s distinctive strengths and emerging capabilities. By presenting credible, real-world business examples, the initiative helps investors and partners better understand Sri Lanka’s value proposition, and supports more informed dialogue around investment, partnerships, and sustainable growth.”
“Edges of Sri Lanka” is structured around four thematic areas reflecting distinct dimensions of opportunity and impact: Unlocking Community Potential, Accelerating Nature-driven Prosperity, Innovating from the Technological Edges, and Championing Brand Sri Lanka. Together, these themes demonstrate how Sri Lankan enterprises are building scale, sustainability, and global relevance.
Duleesha Kulasooriya, Managing Director, Deloitte Center for the Edge, stated, “All meaningful transformation begins at the edges. ‘Edges of Sri Lanka’ builds on the success of the ‘Edges of Southeast Asia’ initiative by the Singapore Economic Development Board, supported by Deloitte Asia Pacific, which highlighted a diverse range of innovators across the region, from early-stage startups to large-scale conglomerates. Drawing on that experience, ‘Edges of Sri Lanka’ applies a similar lens to showcase credible capabilities and ideas within Sri Lanka that demonstrate competitiveness today while shaping the country’s economic future.”
Presented through a digital booklet and curated case study cards, “Edges of Sri Lanka” is designed to be practical and accessible. By translating Sri Lanka’s export and investment narrative into tangible business examples, the initiative strengthens credibility, informs investor decision-making, and reinforces Sri Lanka’s positioning as a destination for long-term, value-based partnerships.
For more information, “Edges of Sri Lanka” can be accessed at: https://www.srilankabusiness.com/buyers/edges-of-sri-lanka.html
(Colombo/Feb6/2026)
