Sri Lanka – Korea Business Council hosts dialogue on “Sri Lanka’s Export Prospect? Challenges. Opportunities. Reforms”

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Seated (from left): SLKBC Treasurer Patali Karunarathne, SLKBC Vice President Shamil Mendis, Shippers’ Academy Colombo CEO Rohan Masakorala, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka Miyon Lee, SLKBC President Asitha Martis, Honorary Member Mahen Kariyawasan, and Immediate Past President Priyantha Mendis

Standing (from left): Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka Deputy Head of Mission Eunji Kang, EDB Additional Director General – Development Anoma Premathilake, KOICA Country Director Lee Yooli, SLKBC Committee Member Buddhika Dharmawardena, KRA President K.H. Bae, KBA President S.C. Byun, Korea EXIM Bank Chief Representative W.S. Ha, KOTRA Director General J.H. Son, SLKBC Committee Member Imasha Pasqual, Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka Research Officer Jo Minwoo, and BOI Director General Renuka Weerakoon

The Sri Lanka – Korea Business Council (SLKBC) of The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce hosted a discussion on “Sri Lanka’s Export Prospect? Challenges. Opportunities. Reforms” on 24 April at the Hilton Colombo Residences.

The event was graced by Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Sri Lanka Miyon Lee along with the Deputy Ambassador and Research Officer from the Embassy. Also in attendance were representatives from prominent Korean organisations, including KOTRA, KOICA, Korea Business Association (KBA), Korea Residents Association (KRA), and Korea Exim Bank.

Delivering the keynote address, Shippers’ Academy Chief Executive Officer Rohan Masakorala provided insights into the evolving global trade landscape, Sri Lanka’s positioning in international markets, and the urgent reforms required to boost export competitiveness. He emphasised that reforms need to be accelerated as the export sector is finding it extremely challenging to sustain a growth trajectory for merchandise exports. Masakorala also expressed disappointment over policy decisions such as the removal of SVAT and the lack of focused support for exporters, as these factors would discourage any significant investment in the sector. His address was followed by an interactive Q&A session, reflecting the enthusiasm and active participation of the audience.

Senior officials from the Board of Investment, Export Development Board, and Sri Lanka Customs were also present, reinforcing the public-private dialogue aimed at advancing Sri Lanka’s export agenda.

The dialogue also served as a platform to explore ways to expand Sri Lanka’s footprint in global exports, especially in sectors with untapped potential. Discussions focused on aligning trade policy reforms, logistics development, and institutional support to better integrate Sri Lanka into regional and global value chains.

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