EDB Appoints 24 New Advisory Committees for 2026–2029, Unveils 2025 Export Performance Indicators

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has appointed members to 24 new advisory committees for the 2026–2029 period while also unveiling its Export Performance Indicators 2025.

The appointments and launch of the 2025 export performance indicators took place at The Grand Maitland, with Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti attending as the chief guest.

The advisory committees have been established under Section 10(1) of the Sri Lanka Export Development Act No. 40 of 1979, which empowers the EDB to establish committees for the development and promotion of products and services and for active sectors of export trade.

The new members have been selected to represent exporters, small and medium-sized enterprises, private-sector associations, relevant government institutions and experts with experience in the respective sectors.

The advisory committees play an important role in contributing to the EDB’s annual action plans, the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) and the National Export Policy, while providing sectoral expertise to support export growth and sustainable development.

The new committees cover 24 areas, including trade logistics and hub operations, trade facilitation, trade finance and business and investment environment reforms, trade promotion and market linkages, quality management and standards, environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters, skills development, entrepreneurship and innovation.

Eight committees will focus on priority sectors identified under the NEDP, including automotive components and engineering products, mineral-based products, rubber-based industries, marine-related industries including boat and shipbuilding, spices and concentrates, digital products and services, electrical and electronic products, and processed food and beverages.

The remaining committees will represent sectors including apparel, Ayurveda and herbal products and cosmetics, coconut and coconut-based products, construction and power services, gems, diamonds and jewellery, organic products, ornamental fish, pharmaceuticals, seafood and aquaculture, and SME export development.

The Export Performance Indicators 2025 were also launched at the event.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Sunil Handunnetti said the commitment of those involved in the export sector would be critical to achieving the country’s export targets.

He said the Government had been able to achieve growth across various areas of the export sector over the past two years, adding that the focus should be on surpassing Sri Lanka’s own previous achievements rather than competing with the past.

The Minister said outdated laws, regulations and ordinances remained among the challenges facing the export sector and that discussions were being held with the Customs Department, Inland Revenue Department and other government institutions to amend regulations that hinder export growth.

He said the Government aimed to provide equal and fair opportunities to all stakeholders through a transparent system.

Handunnetti also pointed to international challenges, including geopolitical changes, armed conflicts, increased shipping costs and higher fuel, gas and electricity prices. He said Sri Lanka had nevertheless continued to work towards its export targets despite global pressures.

He said steps were also being taken to address land-related issues affecting export-sector development, while a Market Intelligence Centre, initiated through the President’s Advisory Office, was being used to help address issues faced by businesses.

According to the Minister, discussions are also being held among the Foreign Ministry, diplomatic missions and the EDB to provide information and facilitate access to international market opportunities.

He identified generating an additional US$1.5 billion in export revenue from next year as a key challenge, saying this could be achieved through cooperation among the private sector, exporters and relevant government institutions.

He also said the Government expected to pursue international cooperation and government-to-government agreements in various industrial sectors.

Handunnetti said the country’s primary objective was to reach an export revenue target of US$36 billion by 2030. He expressed confidence that improvements in infrastructure, new production facilities, industrial zones and simplified regulations would contribute towards achieving the target.

He further said Sri Lanka’s geographical location provided an opportunity to develop the country as a major logistics centre and called for a significant change in attitudes and practices across both the private and public sectors.

Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara, EDB Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe, EDB Director Erandaka Dissanayake and other officials attended the event.