EDB Hosts Orientation for New Heads of Missions to Boost Sri Lanka’s Export Drive

• 20 May 2025
• 0

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, conducted an orientation programme on May 16 for the country’s newly appointed Heads of Mission. The event, held at the EDB premises, aimed to align Sri Lanka’s diplomatic corps with the nation’s strategic export objectives.

In his opening address, EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe underscored the pivotal role that diplomatic missions play in expanding market access, promoting export sectors, and attracting foreign investment. He outlined the EDB’s national export targets and emphasized that continued engagement with international partners is critical to navigating global trade challenges and achieving growth.

The programme featured a key technical presentation by Ms. Saumya Kannangara, Acting Director of the EDB’s Market Development Division, who spoke on “Sri Lanka’s Bilateral Trade Relationships” with a focus on major partners including the USA, India, UAE, South Africa, Pakistan, Japan, Cuba, and the UK. The presentation highlighted opportunities, challenges, and actionable strategies for strengthening trade ties.

An interactive discussion followed, with participation from senior EDB officials and Market Development Officers. Heads of Missions were briefed on targeted support areas such as facilitating B2B connections, enhancing Sri Lanka’s presence at international trade fairs, gathering market intelligence, and identifying key buyers and distributors abroad.

The orientation was attended by a distinguished cohort of newly appointed envoys including 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 senior Foreign Ministry officials Mr. Sumith Dassanayaka and Ms. Dilini Lenagala.

The event highlighted the growing emphasis on diplomacy as a tool for trade development and affirmed the EDB’s commitment to working closely with Sri Lanka’s overseas missions to elevate the country’s global trade presence.

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE