President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told leading tea and rubber industry representatives that the government’s priority is to strengthen local industries, boost exports, and increase net foreign exchange earnings as a way to reduce debt dependence.
Speaking at the Presidential Secretariat, he said Sri Lanka must follow export-driven models used by other countries and urged industries to improve production efficiency, share data, and adopt more scientific approaches to growth.
Discussions focused on a new export strategy under the 2026–2030 National Export Development Plan, with emphasis on expanding value addition in the rubber sector, addressing raw material and labour shortages, and improving cultivation in new regions. Officials also highlighted potential issues such as tyre imports, VAT refund delays, and regulatory constraints affecting exporters.
Tea sector representatives raised concerns over rising export costs to the Middle East and requested intervention on financial issues related to the Iran “oil for tea” arrangement, along with support for smallholder productivity. The meeting concluded with industry leaders pledging support for government efforts to strengthen exports and economic growth. (Newswire)