The Export Development Board (EDB) has launched a rapid relief and recovery program following the severe impact of adverse weather conditions on Sri Lanka’s export sector. 

Accordingly, the EDB has already commenced comprehensive damage assessments of exporters most affected by the adverse weather conditions. 

The EDB further states that these assessments will guide the targeted relief interventions required for the export sector.

A discussion meeting was held recently at the EDB premises, with the participation of Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Tilaka Jayasundara, EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe, Erandika Dissanayake, Actg. Director General, Kumudinie Mudalige, Actg. Additional Director General, Sanjeewa Rathnasekara, Director Trade Facilitation & Trade Information along with senior officials and exporters.

The Chairman of the Export Development Board emphasized that strategic interventions are actively underway to tackle immediate challenges facing the export sector. These measures focus on minimizing disruptions to export operations to ensure a steady flow of goods and services to international markets. 

Additionally, efforts are being made to mitigate the adverse impact on production capacity, safeguarding the ability of exporters to maintain output levels. A key priority is also placed on reactivating disrupted supply chains, restoring the seamless connectivity essential for efficient production and export processes. Through these targeted actions, the EDB aims to sustain export growth and build resilience against short-term obstacles.

The EDB is currently working closely with customs, port authorities, and logistics providers to manage infrastructure delays caused by adverse weather conditions and expedite export-related clearances.

Special government attention has now been focused on assisting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in particular to rapidly reactivate their operational capacity during this recovery process.

The discussion highlighted the growing intensity and frequency of climate-related challenges in recent times, underscoring the urgent need for proactive and sustainable responses. It was emphasized that addressing these environmental issues is not only critical for mitigating risks but also essential for ensuring long-term economic resilience. 

By integrating sustainability into export practices and promoting green technologies, the EDB aims to strengthen the export sector’s competitiveness and sustainability. This approach seeks to support exporters in adapting to climate realities while fostering greener and more resilient trade pathways that align with global environmental goals. (Newswire)

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Exporter groups representing key sectors such as IT, food processing, spices, electronics, seafood, apparel, and gem & jewelry presented their industry profiles and strengths to Sri Lanka’s Heads of Mission, aiming to promote these sectors in international markets.

The forum, held on April 7, 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, focused on connecting exporters with Sri Lanka’s diplomatic missions abroad, following a directive from President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the Foreign Ministry in a statement said. The event was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in partnership with the Export Development Board (EDB) and supported by the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development.

Deputy Ministers Arun Hemachandra and Chathuranga Abeysinghe co-chaired the session, emphasizing the need to diversify Sri Lanka’s export basket and achieve the 2025 export target of USD 19 billion.

Industry representatives highlighted their sector strengths and outlined challenges to increasing market share. The EDB called for support from Sri Lanka Missions in addressing issues faced by exporters, including market information, trade facilitation, and dispute resolution.

All Sri Lanka Heads of Mission, EDB officials, and industry representatives participated in the forum, which forms part of a series of engagements aimed at strengthening trade and investment ties overseas. (Newswire)

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The Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) has issued a clarification on the regulations pertaining to the conversion of Dollar income of exporters. 

The CBSL stated that the requirement to convert a part of the Dollar income received by the exporters into the Sri Lankan Rupee has not been suspended. 

Accordingly, the exporters have to convert a part of their Dollar income into the Sri Lankan Rupee as per the existing guidelines, it said.

The CBSL further stated that, however, the requirement to sell a part of the converted exporters’ Dollar income to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka by licenced banks has been suspended.

The Central Bank stated that the regulation has been suspended since March 07, 2023. (NewsWire)

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