The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) is targeting a record $ 19 billion in export earnings this year after generating nearly $ 9 billion during the first half of 2026, while setting its sights on doubling export revenue to $ 36 billion by 2030 under a new national strategy.
Speaking to the media on marking the EDB’s 47th anniversary yesterday, EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe said the Board remained committed to transforming Sri Lanka into a globally competitive export hub by expanding into new industries, strengthening value-added exports and increasing the contribution of exports to the national economy.
Established under the Sri Lanka Export Development Act, No. 40 of 1979, the EDB has spearheaded the country’s export promotion efforts for nearly five decades, helping Sri Lankan products and services gain access to international markets.
Wijesinghe said the National Export Development Plan (NEDP), launched on 16 June, provides the roadmap to increase annual export earnings to $ 36 billion by 2030, comprising $ 27 billion from merchandise exports and $ 8 billion from services exports.
He noted that the strategy marks a shift away from reliance on traditional export products by promoting innovation and diversification across high-potential industries.
Wijesinghe added that eight emerging sectors have been identified as new growth engines under the plan, with electronics, food and beverages, information technology (IT), and logistics already demonstrating encouraging momentum.
The EDB also aims to increase the export sector’s contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to 25% while raising the contribution of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to 25%, broadening participation in export-led growth.
As part of efforts to accelerate export and investment promotion, the EDB will revive Sri Lanka Expo after a 15-year hiatus.
The exhibition is scheduled to take place from 14 to 17 January 2027 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) and is expected to become the country’s largest export promotion event in over a decade.
Over 1,500 international buyers are expected to participate, while 650 exporters will be selected from over 1,100 registered applicants to showcase Sri Lankan products and services.
Recognising the importance of SMEs in export development, over 200 exhibition stalls will be dedicated exclusively to smaller enterprises, providing them with direct exposure to international buyers.
The event will also feature what the EDB describes as Sri Lanka’s largest-ever Investor Forum on 15 January 2027, organised jointly with the Board of Investment (BOI), the Tourism Ministry, and Port City Colombo, aimed at attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) alongside export opportunities.
Wijesinghe said these initiatives reflect the EDB’s long-term commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness, diversifying foreign exchange earnings and positioning exports as a key driver of sustainable economic growth.