The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recently hosted the 25th Exporters’ Forum at its headquarters, providing a vital platform for exporters to voice their concerns and seek practical solutions to challenges faced in the export sector. Held on March 24, 2025, the Forum attracted a diverse group of stakeholders from the export industry.
As part of an ongoing initiative by the EDB to support the export community, the event enabled exporters to engage directly with policymakers, share their challenges, and propose solutions to streamline export-related processes.
Exporters submitted a total of 110 issues for discussion at this forum. Of these, 79 issues were presented directly by companies, while 31 were submitted through industry associations and Trade Chambers such as the Exporters' Association of Sri Lanka (EASL) and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. A significant number of these issues are currently being addressed by referring them to the relevant institutions through the Export Facilitation Task Force. Meanwhile, 37 issues (categorized under 17 key topics) were prioritized for discussion during the Forum.
Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, reaffirmed the government's commitment to facilitating trade and addressing the challenges faced by exporters during his speech. He stated that the current government prioritizes the growth of exports within the production economy and that the Ministry of Industries and Enterprise Development will extend its fullest support in this regard. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in enhancing Sri Lanka's export competitiveness and achieving sustainable growth in the global market.
The event was held under the patronage of Hon. Sunil Handunnetti and was attended by several key Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and senior officials. Among them were Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Hon. Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning; Hon. Susil Ranasinghe, Deputy Minister of Lands and Irrigation; and Hon. Eranga Udesh Weeraratne, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy.
In addition, the Secretary of the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Mrs. Tilaka Jayasundara; Additional Secretary, Mr. Chaminda Pathirana; and Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, along with Mrs. C. D. Dharmasena, Director General, and Ms. Anoma Premathilake, Additional Director General - Development of the EDB, were among the key figures present. The event also saw the participation of representatives from Export Sector Advisory Committees, Product Associations, the Chamber of Commerce, private sector companies, and state institutions.
The 25th Exporters’ Forum marks a significant milestone in advancing Sri Lanka’s export agenda, reinforcing the government’s commitment to facilitating international trade, and strengthening the country’s export-driven economy.
