EDB meets SL’s newly appointed heads of missions

• Strengthens diplomatic engagement for export growth

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) recently hosted an orientation programme for the newly appointed heads of Sri Lanka missions at the EDB.  

Organised at the request of the Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Ministry, the session aimed to brief the heads of missions on Sri Lanka’s current export strategies, sectoral priorities and potential avenues for diplomatic collaboration to enhance international trade.

In his opening remarks, EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe outlined the institution’s strategic vision and national export targets. He emphasised the crucial role Sri Lanka’s overseas missions can play in facilitating market access, promoting the country’s export sectors and attracting foreign buyers and investors. 

He highlighted how sustained diplomatic engagement can be a key enabler for achieving the country’s ambitious export goals despite global market volatility.

A technical presentation titled ‘Sri Lanka’s Bilateral Trade Relationships: A Focus on USA, India, UAE, South Africa, Pakistan, Japan, Cuba and UK’ was delivered by Market Development Division Acting Director Saumya Kannangara. The session explored trade dynamics with these key partner nations, identifying opportunities and challenges while proposing strategic interventions to strengthen bilateral trade.

The programme also featured a lively discussion session with the participation of Wijesinghe, additional director general, directors of divisions and market development officers of the EDB. The heads of missions were briefed on the specific areas where their support is vital, including B2B matchmaking, promoting Sri Lanka’s participation in trade fairs, generating market intelligence and identifying potential buyers and distribution partners in overseas markets.

The orientation programme was attended by a distinguished group of newly appointed heads of missions, who will represent Sri Lanka in strategically important global capitals, along with the senior officials from the Foreign Affairs Ministry. The participants included P.M. Colonne (New Delhi), Justice Jayantha C. Jayasuriya P.C. (New York), 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 S.D.N.U. Senadheera (London). They were joined by Sumith Dassanayaka and Dilini Lenagala, senior officials from the Foreign Affairs Ministry. Their presence underscored the importance of aligning diplomatic missions with Sri Lanka’s national export development priorities.

This interactive session reinforced the importance of proactive diplomatic engagement in achieving Sri Lanka’s export development objectives. The EDB looks forward to a continued partnership with the diplomatic community to enhance the nation’s global trade footprint.