A special networking forum aimed at further expanding Sri Lanka’s export sector globally was successfully held on 07th April 2025, bringing together more than 175 participants, including Sri Lankan exporters and officials from Sri Lanka's overseas diplomatic missions.
This forum was organized jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in line with the directives of H.E. the President of Sri Lanka and the decisions made at the Export Development Council of Ministers (EDCM) meeting held on 27th January 2025. Held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the forum was attended by the Heads of Sri Lanka’s overseas missions, exporters, and representatives from trade chambers and industry associations.
The primary objective of the forum was to foster direct dialogue between Sri Lankan exporters and Ambassadors/High Commissioners and officials from Sri Lankan diplomatic missions abroad. This platform enabled participants to explore new market opportunities, discuss challenges and barriers faced, and present proposals to enhance export competitiveness. Additionally, it provided a space for sharing views on the newly introduced tariff regulations by the United States, allowing exporters to voice their concerns and offer suggestions for improvement. Target-based analysis and country potentials were shared among participants. Performance will be evaluated on a quarterly basis.
Among the distinguished guests who attended the event were Hon. Arun Hemachandra, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Employment; Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Mrs. Aruni Ranaraja, Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism; Mrs. Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; and Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB). Additionally, Sri Lankan Ambassadors, Diplomatic Officials, and Senior Officials of the EDB also participated in the forum.
Representing the export sector, several prominent industry leaders took part in the event, including Mr. Shehan Selvanayagam, Board of Director of SLASSCOM; Mr. Gamini Ranasinghe, Director of SLEMEA; Mr. Dhammika Gunasekara, Former President of the Sri Lanka Food Processors Association; Mr. P.L. Raj, Treasurer of the Spice Council of Sri Lanka; and Mr. Dilan Fernando, President of the Seafood Exporters' Association of Sri Lanka, who delivered sector-specific presentations to the audience.
This networking forum provided a vital platform to foster direct engagement between Sri Lankan exporters and officials from overseas diplomatic missions. It created an excellent opportunity to address challenges, seek solutions, and explore new international market opportunities for the development and sustainability of Sri Lanka’s export sector. It was agreed to continue the dialogue with the objective of achieving the export target.
