Sri Lanka’s exports top $ 17 billion in 2025 says Minister
Daily FT: Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi yesterday confirmed that Sri Lanka’s export revenues exceeded $ 17 billion in 2025, highlighting the resilience of the country’s exporters and the impact of coordinated policy support, strategic market development, and targeted capacity-building initiatives.
Addressing the official launch of Sri Lanka Expo 2026, the Minister congratulated the export community, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), and all partner institutions for achieving the milestone, describing it as a reflection of both exporter innovation and effective public-private collaboration.
Handunneththi stressed that Sri Lanka Expo 2026, to be held after a 14-year hiatus, is not merely an exhibition, but a strategic national platform designed to help exporters penetrate new markets, attract international buyers, and showcase the best of Sri Lanka to the world. “Sri Lanka Expo 2026 should serve as a catalyst for export expansion, diversification, and long-term economic resilience,” he added.
He said the Expo brings together policies, products, and people to create tangible business opportunities in global markets.
The Minister noted that Sri Lanka must pursue an ambitious export agenda by diversifying its export basket, expanding into emerging markets beyond traditional destinations and adding greater value across sectors. “Agriculture, lifestyle products, ICT, and creative industries, all have strong potential to scale up, provided they gain the right exposure, connections, and institutional support,” he added.
Calling for stronger diplomatic and overseas engagement, Handunneththi urged Sri Lankan missions abroad, Ambassadors, and diplomats to actively assist exporters by connecting them with buyers, investors, and business opportunities. He said their networks and advocacy play a critical role in expanding Sri Lanka’s trade footprint and ensuring the success of Sri Lanka Expo 2026.
The Minister also called on Sri Lankan mission heads and officials joining virtually to proactively promote exporters, facilitate buyer engagement, and help convert the exhibition into meaningful commercial outcomes.
Handunneththi encouraged companies to collectively support the Expo by inviting overseas partners and working closely with the Government to maximise its impact.
Describing Sri Lanka Expo 2026 as a clear expression of national trade policy, the Minister said the initiative links Government strategy with private sector capability, promotes market diversification, and supports sustainable growth.
He said leveraging such platforms is vital to strengthening exports, attracting investment, and positioning Sri Lanka as a trusted and competitive trading partner.
Handunneththi expressed confidence that the event will elevate Sri Lanka’s global presence, unlock new opportunities for exporters, and contribute to sustained economic growth.
OSL take:
The steady growth and expansion recorded by Sri Lanka’s export industry have opened a host of business/investment opportunities for foreign businesses/investors on the lookout for lucrative ventures in the country. The many trade agreements as well as trade concessions enjoyed by Sri Lanka with many countries and the increasing business conducive environment in the country have all helped boost the export industry and related sectors. Given that the export industry is a key revenue generator to the country, the Sri Lankan government continues to offer incentives to the industry for further expansion as well as to attract more investments into the industry. The strength, resilience and growth recorded by the export industry through years, the growing profits recorded by businesses already engaged in the industry and the increasing interest among foreign businesses to explore the expanding opportunities while looking at local collaborations, all indicate the increasing business potential in Sri Lanka’s export industry and related sectors. The opportunities in Sri Lanka’s export industry will continue to expand with the country’s focus on adding more value and diversifying the existing export product portfolio to meet the growing demand in the foreign markets.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260114/Z_1 |