On June 16, 2026, Sri Lanka celebrated a pivotal advancement in its economic strategy with the official launch of the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) for the years 2026 to 2030.
The event featured Hon. Sunil Handunneththi, the Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, as the Chief Guest. Additionally, various government officials were present, including Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, the Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, along with Deputy Minister Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe.
Prominent attendees also included several Ministry Secretaries, such as Mrs. Thilaka Jayasundara from the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development. A delegation from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), led by Managing Director Ms. Shannon Cowlin and Senior Public Sector Economist Ms. Nyda Mukhtar, was also in attendance.
The gathering was further enriched by senior officials, including Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, the Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, as well as Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and CEO of the Export Development Board. A diverse group comprising exporters, private sector representatives, development partners, and other esteemed guests also participated.
The NEDP 2026–2030 marks a flagship national initiative aligned with the Sri Lankan government’s policy framework outlined in Budget 2025. Its primary aim is to bolster the export sector and foster sustainable, export-driven economic growth. The plan was crafted under the auspices of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, with support from the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and technical assistance from the ADB’s Policy-Based Lending (PBL) Programme. This comprehensive strategy reflects extensive collaboration among key government bodies, private sector stakeholders, development partners, and other relevant organizations, offering a strategic framework designed to enhance Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness and diversification through 2030.
On May 4, 2026, the Cabinet of Ministers endorsed the proposal from the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, officially designating the NEDP as the strategic framework for export development and promotion in Sri Lanka.
This plan represents a collaborative effort among government agencies, private sector leaders, and international development stakeholders. It aligns with the national vision of “A Thriving Nation – A Beautiful Life,” aiming to boost Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness and achieve an ambitious export revenue target of USD 36 billion by 2030.
The NEDP is designed to systematically enhance export capabilities and promote sustainable growth, positioning Sri Lanka to meet its targets in a practical and results-focused manner. Its overarching vision aims to transform the nation into a competitive logistics and knowledge-driven export hub catering to both regional and global markets.
Structured around two interrelated components—Cross-Sector Enablers and Priority Sectors—the plan provides a holistic framework for strengthening Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness and promoting sustainable growth. The Cross-Sector Enablers establish the necessary foundation to support the growth of all priority sectors, which include:
- Trade Logistics and integrated hub operations
- Trade facilitation
- Trade finance and reforms in the business and investment environment
- Trade promotion and market linkage
- Quality management, standards, and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations
- Skills development, entrepreneurship, and innovation
To further facilitate export diversification and enhance competitiveness on a global scale, eight priority sectors have been identified:
- Auto Components
- Minerals-Based Industries
- Rubber-Based Industries
- Marine-Based Industries (including Boat and Ship Building)
- Spices and Concentrates
- Digital Products and Services
- Electrical and Electronic Components
- Processed Food and Beverages
These interconnected pillars offer a coordinated strategy to tackle cross-cutting challenges while driving growth in high-potential export sectors.
The development of the NEDP involved a thorough and inclusive consultation process, which ran from October to December 2025. This phase included over 300 stakeholders representing government entities, the private sector, development partners, civil society organizations, and subject matter experts. Consultations were conducted through both in-person and virtual platforms in Colombo and Kandy, followed by validation workshops in January 2026 to ensure a broad consensus.
Through the execution of this plan, supported by a robust governance and monitoring framework, the government aims to elevate local products to meet international standards, ensuring long-term economic stability and growth for the nation. The National Export Development Plan is positioned to be the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s economic future.
