Plantation and Community Infrastructure Ministry and the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives convened a technical workshop in Colombo recently to strengthen Sri Lanka’s understanding of and preparedness for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
The workshop, organised by the European Union-funded Green Recovery Facility (GRF), implemented by Expertise France, brought together representatives of Government institutions, the rubber industry and other stakeholders to engage directly with European experts on the Regulation’s requirements and implications for Sri Lankan exporters.
The EUDR aims to minimise the European Union’s contribution to global deforestation and forest degradation by setting requirements for certain commodities – cattle, cocoa, coffee, oil palm, rubber, soya and wood – placed on or exported to the EU market. Natural rubber and range of rubber-derived products, including tyres, rubber hoses and conveyor belts, fall within the regulation’s scope, making traceability, reliable production data and supply chain coordination important considerations for Sri Lanka’s rubber industry.
Plantation and Community Infrastructure Ministry Secretary Gunadasa Samarasinghe, emphasised the importance of strengthening Sri Lanka’s preparedness for evolving international sustainability requirements while maintaining the competitiveness of its rubber exports.
‘Rubber is an important export sector for Sri Lanka, supporting livelihoods and contributing to the national economy. Maintaining access to the European Union market requires the sector to adapt to evolving requirements, including the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). It is therefore essential that producers, processors and exporters are equipped with the knowledge and systems needed to meet these requirements and maintain their competitiveness. This workshop provides a valuable opportunity to engage directly with the European Commission, clarify the EUDR requirements and identify practical steps to strengthen Sri Lanka’s preparedness, safeguard livelihoods and sustain rubber exports to the EU,’ Samarasinghe said.
Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Head of Partnerships Virginie Lafleur-Tighe said: ‘The European Union is committed to working in partnership with Sri Lanka to support practical preparedness for the EUDR, especially through technical dialogue, stronger traceability and support for producers and smallholders. Our shared objective is to promote sustainable production, protect forests and help maintain responsible trade links with the EU.’
European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment Policy Officer Alessio Cartosio, outlined the objectives of the EUDR, the obligations of EU operators and traders, the implications for producers in countries exporting to the EU, and the arrangements for implementing the regulation. Participants were also able to raise questions and seek clarification directly from the European Commission. Mr Peter Aldinger, Forest Governance Expert at the European Forest Institute (EFI), presented findings from the Institute’s 2025 assessment of Sri Lanka’s preparedness for the EUDR, focusing particularly on the rubber sector and areas requiring further attention.
The workshop also brought together Government and private-sector perspectives through contributions from Rubber Development Department Director General Rohana Hapugaswatte; Planters’ Association of Ceylon’s Manoj Udugampola, and the Colombo Rubber Traders’ AssociationVice Chairman Buddhi Gunasekara.
Their contributions provided an opportunity to reflect on Sri Lanka’s preparedness, practical implementation challenges and priorities for strengthening coordination among Government institutions, producers, traders and exporters.
Expertise France Country Representative and Portfolio Manager in Sri Lanka Mahmoud Gaballah said:
‘Understanding the requirements of the EUDR is an important first step. Equally important is translating this understanding into practical action, particularly in areas such as traceability, access to reliable information, institutional coordination and support for producers and businesses. For Sri Lanka, strengthening preparedness is not only about responding to regulatory requirements. It is also an opportunity to improve the sustainability, transparency and competitiveness of its export value chains.’
The workshop formed part of broader European Union-supported efforts to help Sri Lanka respond to evolving environmental and sustainability requirements affecting international trade. Continued engagement between Sri Lankan stakeholders and European partners will be important in identifying practical solutions, supporting exporters and maintaining the competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s rubber sector.