EDB-JICA partnership extended to boost ICT/BPM growth in Japanese market

Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have established a strategic partnership to strengthen the Sri Lankan ICT/BPM sector within the Japanese market. 

Started in 2024, this initiative supports 30 Sri Lankan SME ICT/BPM companies and startups over a period of two years by providing market intelligence, business coaching, and matchmaking services. Building on nearly a decade of collaboration of JICA with Sri Lankan since 2014, this programme aims to foster technological exchange, spur innovation, and enhance global trade relations, driving sustained economic growth for both nations.

Originally set to conclude in October 2025, the programme has been extended by one year at EDB’s request. This extension will expand benefits to Sri Lankan ICT companies, including continued market intelligence, business coaching, matchmaking support, and the introduction of a Proof of Concept (POC) grant scheme for select few firms. Additionally, Training-of-Trainers (ToT) opportunities will be provided under the extended program.

To formalize the extension, a signing ceremony was held at EDB, attended by key representatives Kenji Kuronuma, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka Office, and Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman & CEO of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board. Other participants included Masayuki Furukawa and SakoIkewada from JICA Headquarters, and from JICA Sri Lankan Office Yuri Ide, Senior Representative, Ebisawa Yoko Project Formulation Advisor, Inada Arisa Representative,  Eranga Rajapaksha Associate Officer and Shosei Yamamoto from Deloitte Tohmatsu Financial Advisory LLC. 

Representing the EDB were Indumini Kodikara, Director- Export Services, and Dinesh Attanayake, Assistant Director-Export Services. This significant milestone marks a continued commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation and expanding opportunities for Sri Lanka’s ICT sector.