NCE, EDB discuss export targets and sector challenges 

NCE President Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa (left) presents a token to EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe

The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) has pledged full support for the Export Development Board’s (EDB) plans for the year ahead at its first council meeting for 2026.

The meeting brought together export sector representatives for a focused discussion on priorities, sector concerns including labour shortages, market access, and post-disaster challenges, and collaboration with the EDB. 

Sri Lanka’s export sector continued its positive growth momentum in 2025, recording a notable growth of 5.6 % and total export earnings reached $ 17.25 billion in 2025.

Addressing the council as a special invitee, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, outlined the export direction for the year ahead.

“To sustain the momentum of growth, the EDB, in collaboration with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), has finalised the National Export Development Plan 2025-2029. This is not a simple policy document, but a strategic blueprint for the next few years of our economic life. It is designed to achieve three core objectives: enhancing our trade competitiveness, expanding our reach into global and regional markets and promoting sustainable trade net growth,” he added.

He also spoke on efforts related to market and product expansion, progress on digitalisation and the National Single Window, as well as plans for the upcoming Sri Lanka Expo, which is to take place after over a decade of inaction. The Sri Lanka Expo, he said, is expected to support export promotion while increasing the exporter base and supporting existing exporters. He also outlined plans to expand exporter development at the regional level through designated district officers.

“We are hoping to organise more events this year. Our SME sector contribution is still very low. From the total export value, their contribution is below 7- 8%. In order to reach the global standard of 25%, we must increase the number of exporters. Therefore, we request your support. Bring good buyers, good investors to Sri Lanka,” Wijesinghe said.

NCE President Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa welcomed the initiatives outlined and reaffirmed the NCE’s full support for the EDB’s plans. He acknowledged progress related to FTAs, the National Export Development Plan, and digital trade facilitation, and said the Chamber is ready to work closely with the EDB in the period ahead.

“I assure you of the support and cooperation of the NCE,” he said. He reassured that the NCE will take a key role in the activities planned ahead, especially the Sri Lanka Expo and other export initiatives.

Rajapaksa also noted that the NCE’s Aspiring Exporters concept aligns closely with the EDB’s District-level outreach and confirmed the Chamber’s willingness to work closely with district officers to strengthen exporter development at the regional level.

Furthermore, during the council discussion, members raised a range of shared sector concerns. Labour shortages emerged as one of the most prominent issues, with broad consensus among members that workforce constraints are affecting multiple export sectors. Participants noted that addressing labour availability and skills gaps is essential if export targets are to be achieved, especially in the context of an ageing workforce.

Members also discussed the need for sufficient funding to support the export development strategy and the importance of early communication on initiatives such as trade fairs and exhibitions, allowing exporters adequate time to prepare.

On FTAs, members noted that the industry usually received information at later stages and urged for earlier involvement. The importance of structured training for emerging exporters was also raised, given changes in global trade practices and market requirements. 

Several sector-specific issues were also discussed. The horticulture sector raised concerns regarding permit requirements imposed by the Department of Forest Conservation, describing them as administrative challenges. The logistics sector highlighted the urgent need for the National Single Window, noting its importance for trade facilitation and benchmarking against other countries. Representatives from the mineral sector highlighted the importance of prioritising consulting industry practitioners, especially on matters related to value addition. Members repeatedly raised concerns about the long-term impact of exporting labour and the need for workforce development to support export growth.

Additional concerns included limited foreign direct investment, exposure to international markets, and the need to adapt more quickly to changes in global trade, technology and financial systems.

The meeting saw the participation of representatives from 34 of the 40 sectors within the NCE membership, reflecting broad engagement across the export community.

It concluded with the NCE presenting an overview of its current and planned programs to the EDB Chairman, followed by the presentation of NCE certificates to aspiring exporters in recognition of their participation.