EDB seeks Western Province backing to boost exports, investment and promote Expo 2027 

• EDB highlights regional logistics hub potential as a driver of trade and investment
• Governor Hanif Yusoof pledges provincial support to attract investors and Expo participation

The Export Development Board (EDB) is stepping up efforts to boost Sri Lanka’s export performance, attract quality investment and position the country as a regional logistics hub, with greater coordination between national and provincial authorities emerging as a key priority.

EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe and senior officials held discussions with Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof at the Governor’s Office in Battaramulla, focusing on export expansion, investment promotion and preparations for Sri Lanka Expo 2027.

Wijesinghe briefed the Governor on the latest performance of the export sector, emerging opportunities and the strategic priorities under the National Export Development Plan (NEDP), which seeks to transform Sri Lanka into a more competitive, export-driven economy through priority-sector development, market diversification, innovation and investment promotion.

The discussions emphasised the need to expand export-oriented industries while diversifying Sri Lanka’s product and services offering to improve its competitiveness in global markets.

A key focus was the potential to develop Sri Lanka into a regional logistics and trade facilitation hub, leveraging its strategic location along major international shipping routes.

The EDB highlighted the opportunities available from strengthening logistics infrastructure and services, particularly as Sri Lanka seeks to increase its role in regional trade and attract investment into export-oriented activities.

The Governor expressed interest in the initiative and acknowledged the importance of efficient logistics services in strengthening exports and attracting investment.

The EDB team also briefed Yusoof on preparations for Sri Lanka Expo 2027, scheduled for 14–17 January, with particular emphasis on the Investment Forum planned as one of the flagship components of the event.

The forum is expected to bring together international investors, business leaders and other stakeholders to explore investment opportunities across multiple sectors of the Sri Lankan economy.

Recognising the Expo’s potential to showcase Sri Lanka’s trade and investment proposition internationally, Yusoof pledged his support and agreed to help disseminate information through relevant networks while encouraging potential investors and business representatives to participate.

He also stressed the importance of closer collaboration between national and provincial authorities in achieving wider economic development objectives, particularly in attracting quality investment, expanding exports and creating employment.

The EDB said Sri Lanka Expo would provide an international platform to showcase the country’s export capabilities, investment opportunities and logistics advantages, while facilitating new commercial partnerships.

The discussions concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to closer cooperation in strengthening exports, attracting foreign investment and positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive regional trade and investment destination.

The engagement comes as Sri Lanka seeks to use export diversification, investment and logistics development as interconnected pillars of its broader economic transformation, with the EDB positioning Sri Lanka Expo and its Investment Forum as key platforms for expanding international business links.