Today, an essential advancement for Sri Lanka’s economic progress was marked with the presentation of the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) for the years 2026 to 2030 to President Anura Kumara Dissanayake at the Presidential Secretariat.
The NEDP for 2026-2030 is a significant national initiative aligned with the government’s strategic direction as outlined in the 2025 Budget. Its primary objective is to bolster the country’s export sector and attain sustainable economic growth driven by exports.
This strategic framework was crafted under the auspices of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, with leadership provided by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB). The Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) Policy-Based Lending (PBL) program offered technical support. The plan emerged from a thorough consultative process that involved key government agencies, private sector representatives, and development partners.
The proposal to designate the “Sri Lanka National Export Development Plan 2026-2030” as the official framework for export development was endorsed by the Cabinet of Ministers on May 4, 2026. This plan reflects a wide-ranging agreement among government bodies, industry experts, and international development collaborators.
In accordance with the national vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” the plan seeks to enhance Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness and set a target of USD 36 billion in export revenue by 2030.
The central aim of the plan is to establish Sri Lanka as a competitive logistics and knowledge-based export hub catering to both regional and global markets. This strategy is built upon two interrelated foundations: “horizontals” and “verticals,” which together will enhance export competitiveness, diversification, and sustainable growth.
The horizontal enablers that support the development and growth of priority sectors encompass logistics and integrated hub operations, trade facilitation, trade finance, reforms in the business and investment climate, trade promotion and market connections, quality management, and the development of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) capacities, alongside fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.
The plan outlines eight key export sectors aimed at improving export diversification and value addition to enhance Sri Lanka’s competitive stance in international markets. These sectors include automotive components, mineral-based industries, rubber-based industries, maritime industries (such as boat and shipbuilding), spices and concentrates, digital products and services, electrical and electronic equipment, and processed food and beverages.
The formulation of the plan was a collective effort involving over 300 stakeholders, including government entities, private sector participants, civil society organizations, and international development partners. A broad consensus was reached through consultations conducted from October to December 2025, followed by workshops in January 2026.
The government anticipates that, supported by a robust governance and monitoring framework, the implementation of the plan will elevate local products to meet international standards and contribute to long-term economic stability and growth. It is also expected that the NEDP will play a crucial role in driving Sri Lanka’s economic advancement in the future.
Notable attendees at the event included Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Senior Additional Secretary to the President and Secretary to the Ministry of Energy Russell Aponso, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara, and Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board Mangala Wijesinghe.
