Sri Lanka’s EDB directs Trincomalee SMEs towards export markets
Daily FT: The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), operating under the Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry, conducted a ‘SME Awareness Creation Forum’ at the Trincomalee District Secretariat on 1 October 2026.
The forum aimed to support and develop regional small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs with export potential in the Trincomalee District of Eastern Province. The programme comprised three main components; an awareness creation seminar, a mini exhibition and a business clinic.
At the seminar, entrepreneurs learned about EDB services, export market requirements and opportunities, and heard success stories from the fruits and vegetables, processed foods, handicraft and lifestyle products, and fisheries products sectors.
The mini exhibition showcased exportable products from these sectors, with stakeholder institutions and export companies taking part. At the business clinic, EDB officials, public and private stakeholders provided support to help entrepreneurs address their individual challenges and develop products that meet international market standards.
The Trincomalee District of Eastern Province was selected in line with strategic export development priorities, with a focus on integrating fisheries and marine products, agricultural products and tourism-related enterprises into export value chains.
The forum was held as part of the EDB’s regional outreach program under the National Export Development Plan (NEDP), which aims to bring export promotion closer to regional entrepreneurs and connect them with global value chains. Nine such forums have been held across the country since 2017, most recently in Batticaloa in February 2025. The forum is expected to identify export-ready companies in the region and develop them as future exporters.
It also aimed to attract local investment for export industries, raise awareness of the New Exporter Development Programme among Government officials, trade chambers and other stakeholders, and encourage innovative, value-added products for export markets.
Through such programmes, the EDB will continue to take export promotion to the regions and promote regional economic development.
Addressing the gathering, Industries Minister Sunil Handunnetti said that any task appears impossible until it is accomplished, and that if one gives up believing it cannot be done, it can never be achieved.
The Minister also said that Trincomalee has a unique natural harbour unlike any other in the world, a large extent of land still unused for industry, and vast mineral resources in areas such as Kokkilai, Pudavakattu and Pulmoddai and in the ocean. He pointed out that once the expressway from Colombo to Dambulla is completed, the districts of the Eastern Province will become key areas with the infrastructure required for industry, employment and land. He also stressed that such big dreams can be realised by starting small businesses and working together.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s efforts to diversify exports beyond traditional industries are creating business/investment opportunities for foreign businesses/investors in agro-processing, fisheries, food manufacturing, handicrafts and tourism-related products, as the country seeks to strengthen its position in regional and global value chains. The EDB’s recent outreach programme in Trincomalee highlights the potential of regional enterprises to contribute to export growth. By connecting SMEs with international markets, the Sri Lankan Government aims to broaden the export base and encourage value-added production. For foreign businesses/investors, opportunities exist in modernising agricultural processing, developing cold-storage facilities, improving seafood processing and introducing international quality standards. Investment in packaging, logistics, traceability and food safety technologies could help local producers meet global market requirements and reduce post-harvest losses. Sri Lanka’s fisheries, tropical fruits, vegetables, spices, processed foods and natural-fibre products offer potential for export-oriented manufacturing and joint ventures. International companies could partner with local entrepreneurs to develop branded products, establish distribution networks and access overseas markets. Tourism-linked exports, including handicrafts, lifestyle products and locally manufactured goods, offer further opportunities for businesses combining Sri Lankan craftsmanship with international design and marketing expertise. Regional development initiatives could help businesses/investors identify emerging suppliers outside Colombo, while partnerships with SMEs could establish local sourcing networks and expand production capacity. For foreign businesses, Sri Lanka’s export development drive offers opportunities to establish manufacturing partnerships, introduce technology and build export-oriented supply chains. Greater integration of regional enterprises into international markets could diversify export earnings, generate employment and strengthen Sri Lanka’s position in regional trade.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20261015Z_2 |