The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) hosted an orientation programme for the newly appointed Heads of Sri Lanka Missionsrecently at the EDB ,organized at the request of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, the session aimed to brief the Heads of Missions on Sri Lanka’s current export strategies, sectoral priorities, and potential avenues for diplomatic collaboration to enhance international trade.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and CEO of the EDB, outlined the institution’s strategic vision and national export targets. He emphasized the crucial role Sri Lanka’s overseas missions can play in facilitating market access, promoting the country’s export sectors, and attracting foreign buyers and investors. He highlighted how sustained diplomatic engagement can be a key enabler for achieving the country's ambitious export goals despite global market volatility.
A technical presentation titled “Sri Lanka’s Bilateral Trade Relationships: A Focus on USA, India, UAE, South Africa, Pakistan, Japan, Cuba, and the UK” was delivered by Ms. Saumya Kannangara, Acting Director of the Market Development Division. The session explored trade dynamics with these key partner nations, identifying opportunities and challenges while proposing strategic interventions to strengthen bilateral trade.
The programme also featured a lively discussion session with the participation of the Chairman, Additional Director General, Directors of Divisions, and Market Development Officers of the EDB. The Heads of Missions were briefed on the specific areas where their support is vital, including B2B matchmaking, promoting Sri Lanka’s participation in trade fairs, generating market intelligence, and identifying potential buyers and distribution partners in overseas markets.
The orientation programme was attended by a distinguished group of newly appointed Heads of Mission who will represent Sri Lanka in strategically important global capitals, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The participants included Ms. P.M. Colonne (New Delhi), Justice Jayantha C. Jayasuriya P.C. (New York), Mr. R.M. Mahinda Dasa Ratnayake (Havana), Air Marshal (Rtd.) Udeni Rajapaksha (Pretoria), Rear Admiral (Rtd.) Fred Seneviratne (Islamabad), Prof. P. Janak Kumarasinghe (Tokyo), Prof. Arusha Cooray (Abu Dhabi), and Mr. S.D.N.U. Senadheera (London). They were joined by Mr. Sumith Dassanayaka and Ms. Dilini Lenagala, senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Their presence underscored the importance of aligning diplomatic missions with Sri Lanka’s national export development priorities.
This interactive session reinforced the importance of proactive diplomatic engagement in achieving Sri Lanka’s export development objectives. The EDB looks forward to a continued partnership with the diplomatic community to enhance the nation’s global trade footprint.
