Poor quality of electricity supply to industries/ facilities can result in loss of business, equipment failure, inefficiencies, reduced equipment lifespan, and plant down-time leading to financial losses.
In light of that, the Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka (PUCSL) is in the process of identifying power quality issues currently faced by industrial and commercial sector consumers. PUCSL, being the regulator of electricity industry is vested with powers to protect the interest of electricity consumers in respect of the quality of electricity supplied to them.
To collect relevant information about the challenges that industries are currently facing with respect to power quality, we have prepared an online survey questionnaire which needs to be directed to managers/engineers of such factories/facilities. We request your support to obtain industry feedback in respect of electricity supply. The feedback will help us to take future actions for improving the regulations on power quality of the utility supply to industrial/commercial facilities. The information provided will be kept confidential.
Please use the following link to access the online questionnaire.
https://forms.gle/YKPhmtMTB41FkNVB8
(Other than the questions to obtain contact details, there are only 15 questions to answer. All the questions require only short answers. Therefore, the survey will take less than 15 minutes.)
Public Utilities Commission of Sri Lanka
www.pucsl.gov.lk
[email protected]
The European Union (EU) is implementing a new customs pre-arrival security and safety programme.
This new EU import control system (ICS2) will gradually replace the existing import control system in three releases between 15th March 2021 and 1st March 2024.
ICS2 is a new IT system created to collect data about all goods entering the EU prior to their arrival. Economic Operators (EOs) will have to declare safety and security data to ICS2, through the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS).
Release 1 was deployed on 15th March 2021 and obliges express carriers and postal operators to provide a minimum data set of the Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) prior to loading of the goods onto an aircraft (pre-loading phase). With regard to the postal operators the obligation is with the EU based operators that are transporting parcels under the rules of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) Convention. Those operators will receive the necessary data via postal internal systems operated by the UPU from the postal operators at origin.
Link to the web page of the DG TAXUD on the above is given below for more information;
https://ec.europa.eu/taxation_customs/general-information-customs/customs-security/import-control-system-2-ics2/faq_en#heading_2
Travel between provinces will be restricted considering the increasing caseload of COVID-19 in the country with effect from 12.05.2021 until 31.05.2021.
Crossing of provincial borders is permitted for the following essential services, ensuring strict adherence to health guidelines:
Essential service workers residing in isolated areas are strongly discouraged from physically reporting to work unless in exceptional circumstances.
All non-essential travel is not permitted from 11.00 pm to 4.00 am daily.
Details on the revised restrictions on permitted functions is given in annex I and is effective from 12.05.2021 until 31.05.2021. This replaces the "Instructions on alert levels in COVID -19 country response and permitted functions: Revised restrictions under alert level lll" issued on 01.05.2021.
Ministry of Health Press Release (English)
Ministry of Health Press Release (Sinhala)
We are pleased to inform you that the Health Authorities have decided to allow export processing enterprises under the purview of the Export Development Board (EDB) in lockdown areas to continue their operations considering the economic significance.
Please refer to the annexed document, which contains measures that must be strictly adhered to in continuing operations.
Considering the current rapid spread of COVID-19 infection in the country, ‘Operational Guidelines on preparedness and response for COVID-19 outbreak for Manufacturing Industry’ circulated in November, 2020 and the ‘Operational Guidelines on preparedness and response for COVID-19 outbreak for Apparel Industry’ circulated in October 2020 have been revised by the health authorities.
These documents outline the revisions that have been made.
Operational Guidelines on Preparedness and Response for COVID-19 outbreak for Manufacturing Industry (First Revision, 28th April 2021)
Operational Guidelines on Preparedness and Response for COVID-19 outbreak for Apparel Industry (First Revision 28th April 2021)
EDB is pleased to notify all exporters that Repatriation of export proceeds into Sri Lanka rules No. 1 of 2021 issued by the Monetary Board of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and published in the Gazette (Extraordinary) Notification No. 2215/39 on 18th February 2021 as amended by the repatriation of export proceeds into Sri Lanka rules No. 2 of 2021 published in the Gazette (Extraordinary) Notification No. 2218/38 on 09th March 2021, is hereby further amended by the repeal of rule 4 thereof and the substitution therefor, of the following new rule.
“4. Every exporter of goods shall, within thirty (30) days upon the receipt of such export proceeds into Sri Lanka as required under rule 3 above, convert Ten per centum (10%) from and out of the total of the said export proceeds received in Sri Lanka into Sri Lanka rupees, through a licensed bank.
provided, however, that such date of conversion, shall not be a date later than the date before which the export proceeds shall be received in Sri Lanka as required by rule 3 (i) above (i. e., not later than one Hundred and eighty (180) days from the date of shipment).”
Gazette (Extraordinary) Notification No. 2222/60 dated April 09, 2021 (English)
Gazette (Extraordinary) Notification No. 2222/60 dated April 09, 2021 (Sinhala)
Gazette (Extraordinary) Notification No. 2222/60 dated April 09, 2021 (Tamil)
Discussion Topics
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Discussion Topics
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Discussion Topics
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Discussion Topics
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To : All Exporters under Free / Preferential Trade Agreements
From : Actg. Director General of Commerce, Department of Commerce, Colombo 02.-16.03.2021
Please be informed that the Department of Commerce(DoC) will resume accepting physical applications for Certificates of Origin from March 17, 2021.
As there are still some restrictions on the entry of visitors to the Department of Commerce, DoC staff will come to the Sri Lanka Insurance out gate every 20 minutes to collect/distribute documents.
As per the previous practice, exporters are requested to submit the duly filled COO, TRQC, Cost Statements and Affidavits along with the supporting documents and the payment slip where applicable. The telephone number of the collecting officer or any other responsible person should be indicated on the payment slip, in case the Department needs to contact him or her.
Applications for COOs will be processed as follows
However, if the applicants prefer to stay around, they can collect certified COOs in one hour after handing over.
In order to ensure that all applications are processed equally without delay, the Department will cease accepting COO applications and other documents specified above, via email from next week
Scanned copies of documents required for new registration of exporters under Preferential schemes can be sent via emails.
Department of Commerce,
4th Floor, “Rakshana Mandiraya”,
21, Vauxhall Street,
Colombo 02,
Sri Lanka.
Tel: 00 94 11 2329733 / 00 94 11 2436114 / 00 94 11 2327191
Fax: 00 94 11 2382490 / 00 94 11 2430233
Web: http://www.doc.gov.lk/
Areas to be covered in the discussion
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Sri Lanka's inherent craftsmanship, cultural diversity and rich natural resources provide the base for a wide range of giftware and toys which exports from Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka crafts that satisfy quality-conscious and astute buyers.
It is important to protect the creativity of the crafts when it is planned to design for overseas market.
Areas to be covered;
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In a complex global market filled with uncertainties being on time in the correct market is of paramount importance.
With multiple regulatory requirements and global competition how do we support the Sri Lankan exporters to navigate such challenges and win in the marketplace
View the webinar on EDB official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sledb/videos/252302756374819
Sri Lanka's inherent craftsmanship, cultural diversity and rich natural resources provide the base for a wide range of giftware and toys which exports from Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka crafts that satisfy quality-conscious and astute buyers.
It is important to protect the creativity of the crafts when it is planned to design for overseas market.
Areas to be covered;
View the webinar on EDB official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sledb/videos/1099691390530113
Since the establishment of Diplomatic Relations between the two countries 50 years ago, the relationship evolved in to a robust, dynamic one encompassing numerous areas of cooperation.
Singapore is Sri Lanka’s fourth largest source of imports. Sri Lanka’s main exports to Singapore are mineral fuel and oils, Alcoholic beverages, textiles, precious and semi-precious stones, and Ceylon Tea and Sea food. Despite the global pandemic situation, Sri Lanka has performed considerably well in exporting nearly UDD 85million in 2020 upto November. New normal opportunities have emerged in the E commerce, innovations and Agri -business sectors. Foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka from Singapore was valued at USD 97 million in 2019, ranking at 5th largest FDI investor in Sri Lanka. Over 100 Singaporean businesses operate in Sri Lanka. They are involved in a number of sectors across the economy, including manufacturing and infrastructure development.
Areas to be covered;
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Please find the below documents on Monitoring the COVID-19 situation in non-BOI, Export Oriented Manufacturing Industries
Operational guideline on preparedness and response for COVID-19 outbreak for work settings - manufacturing Industries
Operational guideline on preparedness and response for COVID-19 outbreak or apparel industry
Issuance of Certificates of Origin (CoO) under ISFTA, PSFTA, SAFTA and SAPTA for commodities except Areca nut and Black Pepper
The CoOs under ISFTA. PSFTA, SAFTA and SAPTA for commodities/products except Areca Nut and Black Pepper will be issued at the time of exportation (prior to on board date) and also after the goods are shipped.
Hence, the exporters who are applying for CoOs under ISFTA, PSFTA, SAFTA and SAPTA for the commodities referred to above, are strongly advised to obtain CoOs at the time of exportation (prior to on board date) in order to overcome retrospective issue.
Read Notice- English
Annexure 1
Annexure 2
Area to be covered on discussion:
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"Startups" are mostly SMEs who are in this category. Winning in an overseas market is almost similar to "Batting on a sticky wicket", from a cricketing example as Sri Lankans are Cricket lovers. This means there are possibilities of facing awkward or difficult situations or circumstances during the play. In international trade, it is no different. Players should know operating ground realities including the opponents if they are to win the game. This means knowing the Buyer and the exporting Country's requirements is very critical. So, in this context, one must be very well equipped with knowledge in terms of EXPORT READINESS & FORMALITIES to win in overseas markets. In other words, how a team plans to continuously win matches in other countries, it is very similar to how an exporter should plan to sustain his export business in overseas markets as international trade is filled with several business challenges. So, during this session, let's try to understand how an exporter should get ready to play this game successfully, sustainably, and keep winning in overseas markets.
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It’s obvious that existing trading environment in Sri Lanka is a big challenge for business community. In order to facilitate the trade, Sri Lanka Customs is in a Change Management Process from it’s historical ‘Revenue Collector’ role to ‘Trade Facilitator’ role. World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO-TFA) which has been ratified by the government of Sri Lanka has become a blessing for this change management process in a way it introduces seamless goods clearance process and in other way it has become an obligation of the state to implement WTO-TFA. In line with implementation of proposed measures of WTO-TFA, Sri Lanka Customs with the help of all border agencies has introduced several initiatives which will help to reduce the trade cost.
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The EDB in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exporters of Rubber Products (SLAMERP) and the Plastics and Rubber Institute of Sri Lanka (PRISL) proposes to organize a two-day virtual workshop on Advanced Technology /Smart Manufacturing to upgrade the knowledge of the rubber products manufacturing industry by obtaining the services of technical experts from locally & internationally.
Objectives
For Whom
Technical personnel from Rubber Products manufacturing /exporting companies
When
18th & 19th December 2020 from 8.30 a.m. to 5.00 p. m. (Local & International)
Participation Fee
Rs. 5,000/- per person payable to PRI
Registration link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZElf-uopj8jGdJ2Jf_DHyv2OjVmiUFHrrMK
Registration will be on first come first served basis. For further details please contact Mr.Susantha Premarathna, Assistant Director, Sri Lanka Export Development Board Tel: 011 2300705-11 (Ext: 359), 0716 289015, Fax: 011 2303025, Email: [email protected]
View e-Flyer - EnglishThrough the Organic certification, natural and sustainable concepts of agriculture is brought back reversing the negative impacts of synthetic input use while, ensuring the credibility of the supplier chain. Ultimately organic certification will facilitate to face the deeply challenging health and environmental problems in modern world, while empowering the local economies to endeavor new avenues in the world market.
View the webinar on EDB official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sledb/videos/879924929479680
What do ecommerce customers expect when they order online? How can you the seller meet this expectation and succeed in your Cross Border ecommerce goals in a cost effective way.
Topics of discussion;
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Currently most of the countries in the world are severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic situation. COVID-19 case load has risen in Sri Lanka since 1st of October 2020. This situation has created adverse impacts socially as well as economically mainly due to many factory workers becoming COVID-19 positive.
COVID-19 is both a health battle as well as an economic battle. Therefore, we need to take every step to make the economy of Sri Lanka grow while controlling the COVID-19 outbreak in our country.
Download the Webinar Resource Document
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The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) is currently facilitating to ensure that the operations of export industries remain uninterrupted during the extended curfew period in the western province.
Exporters are required to take all safety precautions recommended by the health authorities to manage COVID-19 and need to assure implementation of safety measures as per the “Guidelines on COVID-19, preparedness for workplaces” dated 2nd April, 2020, issued by the Ministry of Health and adhere to the additional guidelines announced by the authorities according to the prevailing situation
All non BOI Exporters are advised to obtain a letter from EDB with instructions on guidelines to be adhered to in carrying out export operations. All BOI registered companies may contact the BOI.
Please contact the following EDB officials in this regard.
For Export Agriculture Sector:
Ms. Malani Baddegamage
Director - Export Agriculture
Email: [email protected]
For Industrial Products Sector:
Mr. Harsha Pathberiya
Actg. Director - Industrial Products
Email: [email protected]
For Export Services & Electronic Products Sectors:
Ms. Manoja Dissanayake
Actg. Director - Export Services
Email: [email protected]
“Letters issued by the Managing Director or an Authorized Officer of Export Companies to the employees, along with their National Identity Cards or Company Identity Cards and a copy of the EDB letter could be used as curfew passes to travel to workplaces in curfew areas According to the new Guidelines issues by the Department of Police”
The company letter should contain the following details:
This measure has been taken by the government considering the importance of continuing export operations and its contribution to the national economy. It is the responsibility of the relevant company to take the required precautionary measures to protect the employees / staff / general public.
EDB Helpdesk : 071 440 6119, 071 822 0953, 077 249 4807
Email : [email protected]
We thank you for your cooperation during this critical period.
SRI LANKA EXPORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD
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In order to minimize the risk associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and continue the services rendered by the Department of Commerce (DoC) effectively & without interruption, certain changes are to be made to the procedures for issuing Certificates of Origins (CoOs) with effect from Monday, the 19th October 2020 itself.
Read More - English
If you are a non-BOI exporting company located within an area under quarantine curfew, employees from outside the quarantine curfew area(s) can be transported under permit, to the said location to ensure the continuity of essential export related activities.
Relevant information and specimen applications could be obtained from the following contacts:
For Export Agriculture Sector:
Ms. Malani Baddegamage
Director - Export Agriculture
Email: [email protected]
For Industrial Products Sector:
Mr. Harsha Pathberiya
Actg. Director - Industrial Products
Email: [email protected]
For Export Services & Electronic Products Sectors:
Ms. Manoja Dissanayake
Actg. Director - Export Services
Email: [email protected]
Important :
Number of staff members / workers planned to be deployed should be in accordance with the following condition:
Factories situated in the areas under quarantine curfew must work with employees residing outside Gampaha, Minuwangoda, Veyangoda, Divulapitiya and Meerigama Police Areas Factories outside quarantine curfew areas also could operate with workers residing outside above Police areas. No workers residing in above quarantine areas will be allowed to work in any factory either within or outside the quarantine curfew areas. EDB requests all companies to provide the correct details of all employees certifying that they are residing outside quarantine curfew areas.
Random PCR tests (1% everyday) have to be carried out in the factories for employees who report on duties, as per the Guidelines issues by the Ministry of Health and required to upload records of the PCR Tests carried out by your company for employees using the online link provided below.
We thank you for your cooperation during this critical period.
SRI LANKA EXPORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD
The Nature is a huge teaching space that offers many lessons for those who take the time to reflect and discover. Decades ago, scientists and inventors studied the characteristics of things in the nature and came up with amazing technologies and invented products as a result of studying the nature. However, in the recent past, we forgot this simple fact and started ruling the nature. As a result, the human factor was deteriorating more than inventions/ innovation and instead the disruptions have come in to the picture. This was clearly evident in the recent past. The Nature has started responding and that will force us to recheck our actions. It was well known that any civilization can’t exist without novelty. However, if that goes against the nature and natural justice, a reversal of the whole process should be expected soon. That was again evident with COVID 19.
Sustainability has become the most important challenge not just for the present, but also for the decades to come. Scientifically based solutions should drive technological innovations that enable compliance with the growing environmental constraints. Research in this particular field of interest is advanced from the physical, chemical, biological, lifecycle assessment, engineering, and materials science perspective, often leading to synergistic approaches. Nothing has no meaning unless the human factor is added in to it and except we move from auto mode to human mode, this so-called development ends with a disruption.
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Please be advised that due to the prevailing situation, the Department of Commerce regrets to inform that Cost Statements for renewal are not accepted until further notice.
Please read the below notice for details, before you visit the DOC for the above services.
Read More - English
Read More - Sinhala
Importance of the agriculture value chain & business management perspectives and look for the opportunities to add values to the business through value chain gaps.
Value chain analysis and cut back on shortages, prepare product plans, and work with others in the chain to add value to the customer. Exploring opportunities in the Agribusiness Sector, Route to developing the Agribusiness Value Chains and how to solve the problems and make money. Practical experience with agriculture sector in Sri Lanka.
View the webinar on EDB official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sledb/videos/365812204613985
We will look at the Spa Ceylon case study of a brand that was built from concept to launch to be an export brand. The practical learning and conceptual thinking that has taken the brand to over 100 global stores with a presence in over 22 countries.
View the webinar on EDB official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sledb/videos/689300685001798
In today’s highly competitive business environment, there is perhaps nothing more important than planning and, specifically, developing a business plan. Given hypercompetitive environment and the difficulties of doing business outside your home country, an export business plan is an integral part of strategically managing an organization. It is a written document prepared by the entrepreneur and the team that describes all the relevant external and internal elements in going global. Often export business plan is read by variety of stakeholders including customer, bankers and investors for different purposes. The business plan integrates the functional plans such as finance, marketing, and organizational plans, thereby, providing a roadmap for the future of the organization.
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Japan has maintained its Generalize System of Preference (GSP) Scheme since 1971. Under the scheme 416 agricultural and fishery products and 3,199 industrial products (at 9 digit level-Specific products) are entitled for preferential access.
Since 2005 onward, there has been a proliferation of FTA between Japan and trading partners of rest of the world. These proliferation of FTAs and enhance market access for LDC’s to Japanese market has resulted in negating the tariff preferences granted to Sri Lanka and other countries under the GSP scheme.
Japan has previously renewed its GSP scheme in April 2011 and next review is schedule in March 2021. (After 10 year cycle)
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E-commerce development is multidimensional. If e-commerce has to develop optimally, either at the level of individual enterprise or at the level of a nation, the maturity and readiness of each strategic component part should develop. The Sri Lanka e readiness assessment report presents an overview of the various E-commerce benchmarking and maturity models being employed in various countries and jurisdictions guided by the UNCTAD-recommended e-commerce maturity assessment guidelines and proposes a five-parameter model (Consumer readiness, Business Readiness, IT Infrastructure and accessibility, Logistics and delivery and Policies Laws and regulations) for Sri Lanka that benchmarks the maturity of the various components of the e commerce regime and makes recommendations for how MSME participation can be enhanced in the global digital trade landscape. The indicators associated with each of the five parameters are identified and this model will be the basis for a monitoring system that would be necessary to evaluate progress as e-commerce develops in the country.
Preview Sri Lanka e-Commerce Readiness Report
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It is expected to have export upswings and down swings due to economic recessions and booms in business cycle of a market economy. Economic recession of a country is defined as a decline in real production in two or more consecutive quarters of a given year. According to Department of Census and statistics of Sri Lanka, real GDP growth was -1.6 percent in 1st quarter of 2020 and it is estimated be reach -3.2 percent for the entire year 2020. In the meantime, total export earning of Sri Lanka for January to May in 2020 was US$ 3.456 billion (28.7% decline) compared to US $ 4.845 billion recorded the similar period of the previous year. Further it is a 32% achievement of Revised Merchandise Export Target of US$ 10.75 billion in 2020. It is inevitable that Sri Lanka as well as the entire world is in economic recession now. Usually when firms are at an economic crisis, fear and panic of decision makers, falling demand and supply, declining business profit, falling investment and market prices, rising unemployment rate and inflation rate are visible. Exporters are one of the most victimize groups in such a situation. Strengthening financial literacy of exporters is one of the best ways to overcome economic crisis situation. This session focus on how to improve financial literacy of existing exporters, potential exporters and decision makers in exporting SMEs of Sri Lanka.
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Trade Facilitation initiatives implemented by Sri Lanka Customs for Exporters & SMEs -Current and future, Following topics to be discussed during the Webinar
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Insights on competitive landscapes of market segments of each country, how product readiness, pricing, and statutory limitations affect your services in the international market. Understand the different types of channels, trade barriers, feasibility and investment from a Sri Lankan perspective. Insights on how to carry out a global market assessment, organizational commitment to develop global markets from learning and success stories of hSenid.
View the webinar on EDB official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sledb/videos/643517033189389/
Envisioning the future of Sri Lankan Ports, Sri Lanka Ports Authority is shifting its original thought of container hub to global logistic hub, expecting the boom in international trade that opens up a range of opportunities and challenges. Ports Authority expects to strength complex logistic approaches with "one touch"' information flow of all activities while sustaining the best practices at national and international level in order to improve overall economic conditions in Sri Lanka.
Port of Colombo is the mega transhipment hub in South Asia, ranked as the 22nd container port by handling 7.2million TEUs in 2019 of which only 18% are Ex-Im cargo and 13th best connected port in the world.
Almost all exports are shipped in containers & Sri Lanka Ports Authority expanded the Port of Colombo to cater for Ultra Large Container Ships (ULCS) operating on the Asia to Europe trade lane.
How the Port Authority facilitate trade, benefits for Investors, Exporters & way forward ?
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On 31st January 2020, the UK left the European Union following an unprecedented Brexit vote. On 19 May the UK Government announced its new tariff regime - the United Kingdom Global Tariff (UKGT) scheme or the Most Favoured Nation tariff regime of the UK, designed specifically to suit the UK economy. It is the first independent tariff policy in almost fifty years. UKGT will replace the EU’s Common External Tariff (CET) and will be effective from 01 January 2021 ie, after the Brexit transition period.
The UKGT regime has differences compared to the current EU CET and it is important to understand the competitive position of Sri Lankan exports in the UK market after 2021 in the light of the proposed preferential scheme that will be introduced.
The purpose of this webinar is to educate the Sri Lankan exporters on the upcoming UKGT reg ime and explain the post Brexit market challenges and opportunities.
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We live in a VUCA world. Everything that’s happening around us shows it beyond doubt. Our ability to slow down, reflect and take charge in responsible ways must be sharpened continuously. “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them” That’s a timeless quote from Albert Einstein which has so much relevance today.
Our perspective of what is happening and what responses are needed is largely driven by our mind which is already conditioned by the past experiences. And, this doesn’t lead necessarily to new thinking as we tend to rely on our hard-wired memory. Even cultivated trust is only a belief. We all may have discovered it at some stage in our life – instead, trust has to be discovered within. We will need extra-ordinary courage to move away from the known to the unknown.
For us to win and keep winning in the VUCA world, our thinking has to change. We need to grow internally. We cannot achieve much growth internally by holding on to the cultivated beliefs and a mind that is afraid to explore without seeking to explain. Our game is no longer the analogy to the Chess moves that the conventional wisdom taught us: anticipate and stay two moves ahead of your opponent. In the VUCA world where the change is exponential we must strive to become “surfers riding waves” who will not get crushed by the next wave and the next, and the next. And, the One Thing we need to master is Mental Fortitude.
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It is the right time for Sri Lankan IT innovations to be recognized at the highest levels globally. US dominated the top brands globally however the trend of Asia Pacific companies from China, India and other countries are growing in the past five years.
Today is a story of an IT innovative product company BoardPAC that transforms boards of large companies across the world. The session will share how BoardPAC started in Sri Lanka with a vision and great from it’s early stages to it’s success with global recognition in 30 countries and counting. Sharing insights of strategies of innovation and branding by the company at each stage of growth.
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In Japan, policy makers are considering ways to promote domestic manufacturing and other sectors to protect the economy from disruptions caused by the coronavirus outbreak. There are ongoing preparations for special programmes to encourage Japanese manufacturers to transfer their overseas production bases back to Japan and Southeast Asia, as the coronavirus pandemic has greatly disrupted world supply chains including those in Japan.
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The ways of yesterday, is no longer relevant. The world has changed a lot almost a reset. We need to re strategies our approach.
View the webinar on EDB official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/sledb/videos/1899981500138252/
Due to the prevailing situation of COVID-l9 outbreak, the Department of Import and export Control executes an implementation to control on Non-essential import goods in order to alleviate the pressure on exchange rate and the stress on financial markets, by the Regulations No. 02 of 2020 of 21 May 2020.
It was observed that many Exporters / Importers / Indirect exporters are facing difficulties in operating their Import / export Process / business, mainly due to lack or insufficient awareness and understanding on the New Regulations and EDB together with the Department of IEC, Sri Lanka Customs, and Ministry of Finance and the BOI organized the a Webinar for the Trading Comminute especially exporters/importers.
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Adherence to the principles is a top priority in organic agriculture aims not only at growing and producing quality food products, but also at ensuring the balance between the system of agricultural production and natural processes, preserve exhaustible resources.
Join us to explore importance of adhering to the principles in Organic Agriculture for reaching millennium goals.
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Good brand positioning includes developing a compelling and a meaningful purpose for your business and crafting and aligning a strategy towards that purpose, to achieve sustainable competitive advantage.
Join us to explore how creating shared values is fundamental to building globally competitive Sri Lankan brands.
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A discussion on inculcating the right culture and enhancing the sprint of doing business. Join us to explore how profits alone will not make a company prosper.
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Dear Exporters
Reference the Gazette Extraordinary Notifications No 2176/19 dated May 22- 2020 published to amend the regulations stipulated under the Gazette Extraordinary Notifications No 2171/5 dated April 16 - 2020.
A deviation is granted for effective period of the Gazette Extraordinary Notifications No 2171/5 dated April 16, 2020 for schedule I and II in terms of regulation no.6 and therefore, regulations of that gazette shall be effective for shipments made (on board date) from 18.04.2020. However, regulation of the Gazette Extraordinary, Notifications No 2176/19 dated May 22, 2020 shall be effective from 22nd of May 2020 as per regulation No.02 of the Gazette.
The exporters are kindly requested to follow the regulations stipulated in the Gazette Extraordinary Notifications No 2176/19 dated May 22- 2020 in importing essential raw materials for production of value-added products for urgent credible confirmed export orders.
Gazette Extraordinary Notifications No 2189/04 dated August 17 - 2020 (English)
Gazette Extraordinary Notifications No 2176/19 dated May 22- 2020 (English)
Gazette Extraordinary Notifications No 2176/19 dated May 22- 2020 (Sinhala)
Operating Instructions issued by the Controller General, Department of Export and Import Control
You may contact following EDB officer for any issue to be taken up at the relevant authorities;
Dr. Sanjewa Rathnasekera, Assistant Director / Policy & Strategic Planning – 071 8477760
Ms. Chathuri Pasqual, Assistant Director / Market Development – 077 3124480
Ms. Chathuri Pathmaperuma, EPO / Trade Facilitation & Trade Information – 077 8281052
Mr. Anura Wickramasekara, Deputy Director / Business Support Unit – 071 4056499
Mr. Indrakeerthi SRP, Director Trade Facilitation – 071 4406119
Emails: [email protected] with a copy to [email protected]
As this situation evolves, we will do our best to support you.
CHAIRMAN
SRI LANKA EXPORT DEVELOPMENT BOARD
Discussion points
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The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce has developed a special section dedicated to COVID-19 business response on our website to update the private sector on important trade updates and guidelines related to COVID-19.
To access documents and updates of relevance for businesses visit: https://chamber.lk
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Today, brands have become even more important than the products they represent: their stories travel with lightning speed through social media and the Internet and across countries and diverse cultures. Strong brands are more than globally recognizable; they are critical assets that can make a potentially significant contribution to your company's bottom line.
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All BOI Approved Exporters and Customs House Agents (CHA) are hereby instructed to follow the following paperless process for clearance of imported raw materials by BOI exporters, with effect from 20th April 2020.
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Sri Lanka Customs has decided to start the operations for the clearance of all import and export cargo while adhering to the government policy to maintain social distancing during the COVID 19 epidemic.
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Interim Guidance Issue by Directorate of Environmental Health, Occupational Health and Food Safety, Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services
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The Process to be followed at the Customs CBHQ1 Office (Long Room) when Clearing Import Cargo during the COVID-19 Outbreak
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Notice to the Commercial Banks & Authorized Dealers Engaged in Outward Remittances and the Persons who make Outward Remittances for Requirement of Tax Clearance Certificates for Outward Remittances.
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Notice on the decisions of the SAARC Trade Officials meeting which was held on April 8, 2020 via video conference, to discuss ways and means to facilitate intra-regional trade in the prevailing situation.
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Issuing new curfew passes will be carried out in four categories by the Police Headquarters, offices of Senior DIGs in-charge of each province, divisional Superintendents of Police (SPs) and police stations in order to reduce unnecessary queuing-up at Police stations
Curfew Pass Issue Instruction Circular - English
Curfew Pass Issue Instruction Circular - Sinhala
Letter from Secretary, Ministry of Plantation Industries and Export Agriculture on Request to Supply Essential Services required for the Continuation of Tea Sector
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Letter from Secretary, Ministry of Plantation Industries and Export Agriculture on Request to Supply Essential Services required for the Continuation of Rubber Sector
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Letter from Secretary, Ministry of Plantation Industries and Export Agriculture on Request to Supply Essential Services required for the Continuation of Coconut Sector
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Letter from Secretary, Ministry of Plantation Industries and Export Agriculture on Request to Supply Essential Services required for the Continuation of Activities of Estates Managed by Regional Plantation Companies
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Please be advised that due to the prevailing situation, the Department of Commerce regrets to inform that it will be compelled to reduce its operating hours as follows, from Monday, April 06, 2020:
Monday 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.
Wednesday 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.
Friday 9.00 a.m. to 2.00 p.m.
Please read the below notice for details, before you visit the DOC for the above services.
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Sri Lanka Customs has made arrangements to provide services to the importers, exporters and other agencies under the prevailing situation of the country due to COVID 19 pandemic. The following arrangements are applicable for both sea cargo and air cargo processes.
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The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has decided to set up the above Re-financing Facility in order to implement the decisions taken by the Cabinet of Ministers on 20.03.2020 to introduce a wide range of fiscal and financial concessions for COVID-19 hit business activities including self-employment businesses and individuals.
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Due to the world wide COVID-19 crisis, it has become difficult to receive original health certificates and catch certificates (fish) in the border control posts in the EU. Because of the restrictions and cancelled flights, couriers like DHL and TNT have problems to send documents by airplane to Europe. Importers have contacted the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority (NVWA) with the question if it could be possible to accept copies of health certificates during controls at the border. The suggestion is that apart from the option that the TRACES system can be used by third countries to issue export certificates, the NVWA gives the Competent Authority in the third country the opportunity to send the certificate as a scanned Pdf-file directly by email to the NVWA. This will be in line with Letter SANTE.DDG2.G/BVG from the European Commission. The email to which the certificates have to be sent, is: [email protected]
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Due to the prevailing situation of COVID-l9 outbreak, this Department executes an implementation to control on Non-essential import goods in order to alleviate the pressure on exchange rate and the stress on financial markets.
Thereby, Sri Lanka Customs and Commercial Banks are obliged to suspend the facilitation of importation of Non-essential goods stipulated with the symbol of Temporary Suspension (TS) in Annex A under the payment term relating to Letter of Credit, Documents against Acceptance. Documents against Payment, Open Account and Advanced Payment, or a combination of these. until June 23.2020
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In line with the decision taken by the Cabinet of Ministers at the Cabinet meeting held on 20.03.2020 on the Direction issued by His Excellency the President to provide relief measures to assist businesses and individuals who are adversely affected by the prevailing Covid-19 outbreak, the Central Bank of Sri Lanka hereby issues this Circular to the licensed commercial banks, licensed specialised banks and leasing companies, hereinafter referred to as financial institutions.
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COVID 19, the novel coronavirus infection, which began in Hubei Province, China in December last year has now been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization. All sections of society should engage with the public health authorities to take action to prevent and contain the spread of the virus.
It is crucial to remain vigilant as Sri Lanka has recently reported cases of COVID 19. Businesses and employers, in particular, have a major role to play to keep workplaces safe if we are to stop the spread of this disease as workplaces are frequented by a large number of people. This document outlines the key steps to be taken at workplaces to prevent the spread of the virus.
Employers should start doing these things now, to keep the workplaces safe to prevent the spread of the virus. This may help to reduce working days lost due to illness and stop or slow the spread of COVID-19. The following simple measures can be easily adopted in the workplace to reduce the spread of infections.
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Working arrangements have been made for the facilitation of essential import clearance and export / BOI Processes as well. Long room staff is working in between 10.00am to 2.00pm. RCT staff will be there from 10.00am to 5.00pm.CVT staff will facilitate on call. If you need any further assistance or information, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Sunil Jayarathne – ADG (Sri Lanka Customs)
Sri Lanka Customs has made arrangement to provide services to the importers, exporters and other agencies under the prevailing situation of the country due to COVID 19 pandemic. The following arrangements are applicable for both sea cargo and air cargo processes. However, please note that these arrangements are made subject to health and safety measures notified by the government, especially to minimize the human gathering thus preventing the spread of this deadly decease.
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In order to facilitate exports, the Department of Commerce (DOC) will be open from 20th March 2020. However, because of the prevailing situation in the country due to the fast spreading corona virus, the Department will be operating with only a skeleton staff. Therefore, all exporters are kindly requested to take note of the following:
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Many steps are being taken by the government to mitigate the possible negative impact of COVID -19 to the society at large and it will be absolutely necessary to ensure that the economic functions of the country shall continue to be undertaken unabated. In this context, export oriented manufacturing enterprises be advised that operation of their enterprises shall be carried out , subject to the concerned management taking required measures to protect the employees by following all health and safety procedures as had been advised The relevant government institutions will continue to provide all services even with a skeleton staff. :
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