The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) hosted His Excellency Mr. Jan Thesleff, the Ambassador of Sweden to Sri Lanka, for a formal meeting at their headquarters on July 14, 2026. The session was led by Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, the Chairman and CEO of the EDB, and included senior officials from the board. Mr. Sanjay Kulatunga, the Honorary Consul-General of Sweden in Sri Lanka, was also present during the discussions.
Mr. Wijesinghe provided a detailed analysis of Sri Lanka’s export activities, emphasizing major export categories, emerging prospects, and opportunities for increasing trade with the Nordic countries. Significant focus was placed on the upcoming Sri Lanka Expo 2027, scheduled for January 14-17, 2027, in Colombo, which aims to be a leading venue for linking international buyers with Sri Lankan exporters.
Ambassador Thesleff showed a keen interest in aiding Sri Lanka’s export initiatives and reinforced Sweden’s dedication to sending a trade delegation to the Sri Lanka Expo 2027. He mentioned that preparations are actively underway to ensure the involvement of Swedish buyers and investors at the event. The Ambassador also recognized Sri Lanka’s esteemed reputation for producing high-quality, sustainable products that cater to the needs of European and Nordic markets.
The dialogue underscored the significant export potential within various Sri Lankan industries, such as Ceylon Cinnamon, coconut and coconut-derived products, gems and jewelry, apparel, and information and communication technology (ICT). Ambassador Thesleff praised the stringent quality standards upheld by Sri Lankan exporters and highlighted the increasing market opportunities for these goods and services in Sweden and the broader Nordic region.
Both parties reiterated their dedication to enhancing trade and investment ties between Sri Lanka and the Nordic nations. The EDB Chairman expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Ambassador Thesleff for his ongoing support, collaboration, and commitment to fostering stronger commercial relations between Sri Lanka and the Nordic countries.
The meeting wrapped up on an optimistic note, with both sides expressing confidence in further advancing bilateral trade ties. Ambassador Thesleff reiterated his plans to return to Sri Lanka with a Swedish trade delegation for the Sri Lanka Expo 2027, which will take place from January 14-17, 2027, in Colombo.
Source: Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
