Top exporters earn national honours as Sri Lanka targets stronger global presence

 Overall award winners

• 107 exporters honoured at 27th Presidential Export Awards
• New evaluation criteria focus on innovation and value addition

Sri Lanka placed its export sector at the centre of its economic revival agenda on Thursday as the government honoured the nation’s top performers at the 27th Presidential Export Awards, underscoring the industry’s role in driving growth, innovation and global competitiveness.

Held at the BMICH, under the patronage of Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, the ceremony recognised 107 exporters for their contributions in the 2024/25 financial year. Considered the highest national accolade for export excellence, the awards covered 15 overall titles and 92 sectoral awards, with merit recognitions for industries that delivered notable economic value.

Competition was intense this year, with a surge in applications reflecting renewed dynamism across export industries. Evaluations were conducted by a technical committee and a distinguished panel chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge, while Ernst & Young served as the knowledge partner to ensure process integrity.

In line with the new administration’s policy priorities, Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) broadened its assessment criteria beyond revenue. The new criteria reward companies advancing market and product diversification, innovation, value addition, environmental sustainability, employment creation and the repatriation of export earnings—areas the government sees as fundamental to lifting Sri Lanka’s export performance.

Close to 1,500 attendees, including policymakers, diplomats, senior officials and industry leaders, took part in the event, the latest in a series stretching back to 1981. The award recipients will be permitted to use the Presidential Export Awards logo for three years as part of their branding.

The 27th Presidential Export Awards was organised by the EDB, under the supervision of EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe. The event was held under the guidance of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi and Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, with advice from Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara.

Overall award winners

 Exporter of the Year – Omega Line Limited

 Globally Outreached Sri Lankan Brand of the Year – Akbar Brothers (Private) Limited

 Net Foreign Exchange Earner of the Year – Akbar Brothers (Private) Limited

 Best SME Exporter of the Year - Service Sector – Lanka Hydraulic Institute Limited

 Best SME Exporter of the Year - Product Sector – Hero Nature Products (Pvt.) Ltd

 Emerging Exporter of the Year – Bughary Bio Spices (Private) Limited

 Woman Exporter of the Year – Senikma Holdings (Pvt.) Ltd

 Best Performing Exporter in Emerging Markets – Lanka Marine Services (Private) Limited

 Contributor from the Regions to the Export Supply Chain – Omega Line Limited

 Innovative Export Service of the Year – Sysco Labs Technologies (Private) Limited

 Innovative Export Product of the Year – Ultracarb (Private) Limited

 Contributor to Sustainable Development in Exports – Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC

 Best Value-Added Exporter of the Year – H S B C Electronic Data Processing Lanka (Private) Limited

 Best Exporter in Product Diversification – Omega Line Limited 

 Market Diversified Exporter of the Year – Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC