The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) marked its 45th anniversary on the 01st of August. In conjunction with this milestone, an all-night Pirith chanting ceremony and a Dana (almsgiving) ceremony were held on August 02nd and 03rd at the EDB headquarters.
EDB, the premier state institution for the development and promotion of exports in Sri Lanka, was established under the Sri Lanka Export Development Act No. 40 of 1979, guided by the then Minister of Trade and Shipping, the late Hon. Lalith Athulathmudali. A significant initial step of this Act was empowering the EDB with broad authority for the promotion and development of exports to achieve its tasks with the highest standards for the nation's benefit.
Commenting on the anniversary, the current Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the EDB, Dr. Kingsley Bernard, expressed gratitude to all who have worked for the advancement of the export sector, noting that everyone involved, past and present, is remembered with appreciation at this 45-year milestone.
Over the past four and a half decades, the EDB has supported thousands of exporters in establishing their presence in international markets through initiatives such as international trade exhibitions, trade delegation discussions, financial relief programs, and trade intelligence services. Many entrepreneurs who started with the EDB as small-scale enterprises are now giants in the export sector, significantly contributing to the national economy.
As the EDB celebrates its 45th anniversary, it is implementing a series of innovative strategic changes considering the government's economic reform agenda and new global trends. The benefits of these changes are expected to extend to everyone in the export sector, including new exporters who aspire to join.
