A strategic discussion aimed at enhancing the contribution of provincial export development was held on 22nd April 2025 under the patronage of Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, at the Matara District Secretariat. The event marked the initiation of a pilot project in the Southern Province, designed to develop and implement a structured export-oriented action plan at the Divisional Secretariat level.
The primary objective of the initiative is to formulate effective mechanisms to integrate regional resources into export-oriented industries, thereby strengthening the provincial role in national export development efforts. The discussion also aimed to raise awareness among all Divisional Secretaries in the Matara District and Export Development Officers representing the Southern Province.
The event was attended by Hon. Ajanta Gammadda, Member of Parliament for Matara District; Ms. Kanchana Thalpavila, Additional District Secretary (Lands) of Matara; all Divisional Secretaries of the Matara District; Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB); Mrs. Champika D. Dharmasena, Director General of EDB; Mr. D.M.P. Dissanayake, Acting Director of the Regional Development Division; officials from the EDB Southern Province Office; exporters from the Southern Province; and Export Development Officers of the Southern Province.
Speaking at the event, EDB Chairman Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe stated that a comprehensive action plan will soon be implemented at the Divisional Secretariat level targeting export goals, and that a systematic monitoring mechanism will be established. He further emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts towards a unified national export vision.
Minister Sunil Handunnetti conducted one-on-one discussions with all Export Development Officers in the Southern Province to identify challenges, gather proposals, and align on future export targets. The discussions highlighted the need for cohesive planning and continuous coordination among stakeholders at the grassroots level.
The Minister also reiterated his commitment to providing the necessary support and oversight to ensure the success of this pilot initiative. He noted that similar region-focused, export-oriented projects are planned to be expanded to other provinces of Sri Lanka in the future.
