In an effort to enhance the export potential of Sri Lanka’s light engineering sector, the Industrial Products Division of the Export Development Board (EDB) launched a specialized Awareness Programme for both current and aspiring exporters. This event took place at the EDB headquarters in Colombo on May 19, 2026.
The initiative was organized in collaboration with the Foundry Development Services Institute (FDSI) and the Department of Government Factory. It aims to respond to industry demands for a practical, technically-oriented program that can effectively tackle the competitive challenges present in the current global manufacturing environment.
The training program encompassed nineteen vital topics organized into two primary categories. The first category focused on the export and business aspects, featuring sessions that explored global market prospects, the strategic significance of foundry technology, and the utilization of advanced technologies like simulation in product development. Additional discussions included energy efficiency, adherence to international testing standards, green manufacturing techniques, and sustainable production practices.
The second phase, which was more technically focused, took place at the facilities of the Department of Government Factory and FDSI. Participants engaged in practical training covering pattern-making technology, melting and casting methods, and molding techniques. This segment also equipped attendees with knowledge on identifying and resolving casting defects, modernizing foundry operations, implementing pollution control strategies, and establishing quality assurance systems.
With the increasing importance of eco-friendly manufacturing and pollution management for accessing European and Asian markets, the program notably included sessions dedicated to environmental sustainability and quality assurance, emphasizing their significance in today’s global trade context.
Following the success of this initiative, the Export Development Board plans to introduce additional capacity-building programs aimed at the wider engineering export sector.
As of 2025, Sri Lanka’s export revenue from light engineering products reached USD 205 million, with ambitions to boost this figure to USD 400 million by 2030.
Photo – From Left: Manoja Dissanayake – Director, Industrial Development Division, Export Development Board; Kumudinie Mudalige – Additional Director General (Development), Export Development Board; Melvin Samarasinghe – Chairman, Foundry Industry and Services Institute; Mangala Wijesinghe – Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Export Development Board; Padmasiri Sri Narayana – Additional Director General, Government Factory Department; S. P. Guluwita – Senior Lecturer, Faculty of Engineering, Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
Source: Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
