EDB empowers Eastern province entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs and stakeholders attend EDB Batticaloa awareness seminar 

Mini exhibition

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) successfully organised an awareness seminar on the New Exporter Development Programme on February 18, 2025, at the Techno Park of Eastern University, in Batticaloa. 
This event marked a significant milestone in the EDB’s efforts to enhance the export potential of entrepreneurs in the Eastern province.

The primary objective of the programme was to encourage domestic enterprises to invest in export industries while identifying and addressing the challenges faced by businesses. Additionally, the programme aimed to assess and develop potential entrepreneurs, equipping them with the necessary support from both public and private sector stakeholders to enter the international market.

The event attracted approximately 250 entrepreneurs and start-ups with export potential from the Eastern province. The key focus sectors included fisheries products, fruits and vegetables, processed foods, export services and lifestyle products such as handlooms and handicrafts. 

The one-day event featured an awareness seminar, a mini exhibition and a business clinic, providing participants with valuable insights and networking opportunities.

The programme offered a range of services, including capacity building for entrepreneurs, product and design development support, market development, business consultation services and a mini exhibition, showcasing various products and services aligned with the international market.

Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, Sampath Bank PLC, Sri Lanka Telecom, Sri Lanka Customs, Industrial Technology Institute, Control Union Inspection Sri Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd, Lanka Shipping & Logistics (Pvt.) Ltd, National Institute of Post-Harvest Management Research & Development Centre, Sri Lanka Standards Institute, National Engineering Research and Development Centre, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Department, Industrial Development Board, National Enterprise Development Authority, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Division, National Productivity Secretariat, National Crafts Council,  Sri Lanka Institute of Textiles and Apparel, Earth Bound Creations (Pvt.) Ltd, Printcare Digital Solutions (Pvt.) Ltd, Kiyota Coffee Company (Pvt.) Ltd and Shades IT Solutions collaborated with the EDB to provide essential services to the entrepreneurs during the event.
EDB Chairman/CEO Mangala Wijesinghe, Director General C.D. Dharmasena and Additional Director General Development Anoma Premathilake, Batticaloa District District Secretary/Government Agent J.J. Muraleetharan and Eastern University Commerce and Management Faculty Dean Prof. N. Rajeshwaran graced the occasion.