Message from Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board

I am delighted to extend my heartiest congratulations to the winners of the 24th Presidential Export Awards. The Presidential Export Awards recognises the achievements of exporters who have performed outstandingly well during one of the most challenging times in our lives due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. I convey my sincere appreciation towards the country’s exporter community who have demonstrated their resilience and supported the nation’s economy while navigating through serious obstacles.

The EDB as the premier export promotion agency in Sri Lanka facilitated the continuous operations of the export industries during lockdowns and travel restrictions with the support of other government stakeholder agencies. In the new normal of COVID-19, the significance of exports as a prime source of foreign exchange has amplified due to the drying up of tourist earnings, worker remittances, and foreign direct investments.

I hope the hardening our exporters gained during this turbulent period would enable them to take exports into greater heights by capitalizing on the anticipated post-pandemic economic resurgence. Last but not least, I thank His Excellency the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Honorable Minister of Trade Dr. Bandula Gunawardana for their guidance and encouragement to execute the programmes and activities of the EDB.

I wish the award winners much success.

Suresh D de Mel

Chairman, Sri Lanka Export Development Board