Colombo: Exporter groups focusing on information technology, food processing, spices, electronics, seafood, and apparel, as well as gem and jewelry sectors, presented to Sri Lanka’s Heads of Mission the industry profiles and strengths to facilitate the promotion of their respective sectors in overseas markets. The forum held on Monday, 07 April 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, aimed to connect exporters with Sri Lanka Missions abroad, following the directive of the President at the January 2025 meeting of the Export Development Council of Ministers (EDCM).
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sri Lanka, the hybrid forum was organized in partnership with the Export Development Board (EDB) and supported by the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development. It presented detailed information on the unique selling points of the sectors and identified specific challenges that need to be addressed to increase market share and develop new markets.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra, and Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, co-chaired the forum. They focused on diversifying Sri Lanka’s export basket and increasing its volume to achieve the country’s export target of USD 19 billion for 2025.
Deputy Minister Arun Hemachandra highlighted the importance of market diversification, emphasizing the need to expand the relatively narrow export basket. He conveyed the government’s commitment to supporting the industry, including export-oriented SMEs and MSMEs, and advised Heads of Sri Lanka Missions to contribute proactively to this effort in partnership with industry and agencies in Colombo.
Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe stressed the importance of the Economic Agenda, including investment and trade, and the need to work diligently with all partners to achieve concrete results. He called for analytical reports on trends and opportunities for local industries to adapt, adopt, and remain innovative and competitive.
Ministry Secretary Aruni Ranaraja welcomed participants to the forum and emphasized the critical role Missions must play in economic initiatives, including trade in goods. She requested Heads of Mission to maintain a strong focus on this activity with a dedicated Mission team. Industry Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara also addressed the forum.
Chairman of EDB, Mangala Wijesinghe, updated participants on the current export sector performance and sought support from Sri Lanka Missions in obtaining market information and addressing issues faced by Sri Lankan exporters, such as visa facilitation and trade dispute resolution. The EDB played a key role in bringing industry partners and Chambers to the discussion.
All Sri Lanka Heads of Mission, officials of the EDB, and industry/sector representatives attended the forum. The session is part of a series of hybrid interactions with Sri Lanka Missions overseas and industry. The IT and investment sectors were presented earlier this year.
Presenters included Board of Director of SLASSCOM, Shehan Selwanayagam; Director of Sri Lanka Electronic Manufacturers’ Association, Gamini Ranasinghe; President of the Spice Council, P.L. Raj; President of the Seafood Exporters’ Association, Dilan Fernando; Former President of the Sri Lanka Food Processors’ Association, Dhammika Gunasekara, JAAF, and Gem and Jewelry Association.