Sri Lanka's Apex Organisation for Export Promotion
The 25th Presidential Export Awards (PEA), organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), was successfully held on November 23rd, 2023, under the patronage of Hon President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo, with the participation of a large number of exporters. The award winners were presented a prestigious PEA trophy and a certificate, and they have the privilege to use the “Award Logo” as a marketing tool for a three-year period.
Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone (SEZ) positioned as an extension of Colombo’s existing Central Business District is a 269 Ha land reclamation project in the heart of South Asia. This mega development is a testament to Sri Lanka's commitment to becoming a global economic hub. The SEZ designation brings a myriad of benefits, making it an attractive destination for businesses and investors alike.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) with the assistance of the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission (TVEC) and NAITA has developed and released the "Production Associate - Manual Soldering” (NVQ Level 4) National Competency Standard for the betterment of the Electrical and Electronics sector in Sri Lanka. In addition, the EDB, TVEC and NAITA are in the process of developing several other National Competency Standards that are required for the sector.
In a significant move underscoring their dedication to promoting excellence in exports, People's Bank has partnered with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) as the Platinum Sponsor for the prestigious ‘Presidential Export Awards 2023.’ The collaboration was formally sealed when Mr. Sujeewa Rajapaksa, Chairman of People's Bank, symbolically presented the patronage cheque to Dr. Kingsley Bernard, Chairman/ CEO of Export Development Board, at the headquarters of People's Bank on the 27th of October 2023.
Sri Lanka's Ornamental Fish industry received a much-needed boost from the EDB Ornamental Advisory Committee meeting, which was held recently at the EDB. Chaired by Mr. Sathyendra Wijayapura, Chairman / Ornamental Fish Advisory Committee and attended by Dr. Kingsley Bernard, Chairman / Sri Lanka Export Development Board, prominent figures from the industry, including leaders from the Tropical Ornamental Fish Association, the gathering aimed to directly address the obstacles faced by the sector.
Boat & Marine Show 2023 organized by Chamber of Marine Industries of Sri Lanka (CMISL) and Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in association with Ministry of Industries, Tourism Promotion Bureau and other relevant stakeholders will be held from 27th - 29th October 2023 at the Port City Marina, Colombo.
Recently, a Georgian business delegation paid a visit to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) to enhance trading opportunities with the Sri Lankan agricultural sector. EDB Chairman/CEO Dr. Kingsley Bernard welcomed the visiting delegation and extended his appreciation for visiting Sri Lanka to bolster commercial and business ties between the two countries.
In a significant move towards economic advancement, Sri Lanka has initiated the process of revitalizing its existing Export Strategic Plan (National Export Strategy 2018-2022). The endeavor, spearheaded by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the Ministry of Investment Promotion, has obtained technical support from the International Trade Center (ITC) based in Geneva. Mr. Charles Roberge, Senior Officer, Trade Strategy and competitiveness, ITC visited Sri Lanka from October 16th to October 18th on this purpose. During the visit, the ITC expert had the opportunity to meet the representatives of Associations, Chambers, Advisory Committees and policy makers of the Government.
The pharmaceutical Sector has been identified as one of the promising and emerging sectors in Sri Lanka, not only to be developed as an import substitution industry but also as an export oriented industry which could earn and save foreign currency.
Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports increased by 6.98 % to US$ 1,091.6 Million in August 2023 compared to July 2023 as per the provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Customs. However, it is a 10.91 % decrease when compared to the value recorded in August 2022.
Sri Lanka’s control body for organic agriculture - the National Organic Control Unit (NOCU), operating under the aegis of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), has taken a significant step towards promoting and regulating Sri Lanka's organic agriculture sector with the launch of its official website - www.nocu.lk.
Export Development Board (EDB) has identified value added Mineral products sector as a potential sector to be developed and promoted in the international market. Sri Lanka possesses a wealth of industrial minerals that can be processed and transformed into value-added products. This value addition can create higher-value exports, generate more employment opportunities, and contribute to the country's economic growth.
Sri Lanka’s Gem & Jewellery sector has a vast potential to increase foreign exchange earnings to achieve the export targets and the sector is identified as one of the key foreign exchange earners in the country.
Ms. Anat Bernstein-Reich, President of Israel - Asia Chamber of Commerce cum Chairperson / Israel - Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce met Dr. Kingsley Bernard, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) on 28th August, 2023.
Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports increased by 2.18 % to US$ 1,027.2 Million in July 2023 compared to June 2023 as per the provisional data released by the Sri Lanka Customs. However, it is a 11.79 % decrease when compared to the value recorded in July 2022.
The Ceylon Cinnamon GI Association, a prominent advocate for preserving the authenticity and heritage of Ceylon Cinnamon, successfully convened its inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) on August 4th The event took place at the elegant Balmoral hall of The Kingsbury Hotel and was attended by a diverse assembly of over 200 participants representing various sectors of the cinnamon industry.
The National Packaging Centre (NPC) has permanently been established in the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) premises to support the growth of the local manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka.
The EU Commission by the implementing regulation - (EU) 2022/144, has entered the name ‘Ceylon Cinnamon’ to the register of Protected Designations of Origin and Protected Geographical Indications (Ceylon Cinnamon PGI) with effect from 2nd February, 2022.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) conducted a commemorative ceremony on 2nd August at its head office premises in Colombo to mark its 44th anniversary under the patronage of EDB Chairman Dr. Kingsley Bernard.
The 1st of August, 2023, marks the 44th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB). The EDB was established in 1979 with the objective of establishing a strong government-level institutional framework to develop and promote Sri Lanka’s exports in order to integrate with the global economy consequent to the adoption of liberal economic policies in 1977, and it has been at the vanguard in terms of promoting and developing exports in Sri Lanka for over four decades.
