EDB, Verité Research empower women-led exporters in Kandy with trade data training

Wednesday, 18 March 2026 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with Verité Research, successfully conducted its second training program titled “Leveraging Trade Data for Export Success” for women-led exporters in Kandy recently.

The initiative was organised under the EDB’s Women Entrepreneurship Development Program and follows the success of the inaugural session held in Colombo. The Kandy program was specifically designed to extend the opportunity to women-led exporters in the Central Province and surrounding regions, ensuring broader access to specialised export development support.

The session brought together women-led exporters and aspiring entrepreneurs from diverse sectors with strong export potential. The program focused on equipping participants with practical knowledge to better understand global trade dynamics, analyse international market trends, and make strategic, data-driven decisions to expand their businesses beyond Sri Lanka’s borders.

Participants engaged in interactive sessions, group discussions and hands-on exercises aimed at strengthening their ability to interpret export data, match products with suitable markets, identify emerging global opportunities, and assess competitive landscapes.

A key highlight of the program was the opportunity for participants to gain direct exposure to trade data platforms and analytical tools, enabling them to build confidence in navigating complex global trade information systems.

The sessions were conducted by the International Economics Program team of Verité Research. The training was facilitated by Lead Economist Mathisha Arangala, who provided in-depth insights into interpreting global trade statistics and translating data into practical export strategies.

He was joined by Research Analyst Bulani Weerawadane, who guided participants through practical exercises and demonstrated how trade data tools can be effectively utilised to identify promising international markets.

The initiative reflects the EDB’s continued commitment to empowering women entrepreneurs across the country by providing them with the knowledge, tools and confidence required to access and compete in international markets. By decentralising specialised training programs to regional centres such as Kandy, the EDB aims to promote inclusive participation and strengthen export readiness among women-led enterprises outside the Western Province.

The program also underscores the value of collaboration between research institutions and industry stakeholders in delivering impactful capacity-building initiatives. Through partnerships such as this, the EDB continues to support women-led businesses in enhancing competitiveness, fostering sustainable growth and contributing more effectively to Sri Lanka’s global trade performance.