NCE visit strengthens export sector connections in Wayamba

The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) conducted a regional visit to Kurunegala in the Wayamba Province on 15 May, with the objective of connecting member exporters with regional producers, suppliers and aspiring exporters through direct business engagement and institutional participation.

The regional visit was conducted in partnership with the Industrial Services Bureau (ISB) and the Export Development Board (EDB) Kurunegala Office, and brought together stakeholders through two business-to-business (B2B) meetings held in Kurunegala.

Wayamba Province is one of Sri Lanka’s active export regions, with Kurunegala District hosting more than 200 registered exporters. Along with Puttalam District, the province accounts for an estimated 300–350 active exporters across agriculture, manufacturing and services.

The region also plays a significant role in several export sectors. Coconut-based exports recorded an all-time high in 2025, surpassing US$ 1.2 billion at the national level, with Wayamba serving as a major production source. Garments and textile exports generate more than US$ 5 billion nationally, with factories in the region accounting for a substantial share. Aquaculture exports, specifically prawns and seafood linked largely to Puttalam, are estimated at US$ 50–100 million annually, while industrial and manufacturing exports including brushes, packaging and chemicals contribute an estimated US$  20–50 million. According to available industry estimates, Wayamba constitutes over 100 exporters in coconut-based products, 50–70 exporters in garments and textiles, 20–30 exporters in aquaculture and around 30–40 exporters in industrial goods.

The first B2B meeting, coordinated by the ISB, was held at Hotel Kamrel, Kurunegala. Around 35 enterprises from the region participated in the session, including suppliers, producers, exporters and aspiring exporters.

The gathering was addressed by the Governor of the North-Western Province Tissa Kumarasiri; Indika Ilangakoon- Chief Secretory, North Western Province; NCE President Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa; Chairman of the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) Lakshman Abeysekara and NCE Secretary General S. Marikar.

Participating enterprises represented sectors including agriculture, agro-based products such as coconut-related products, handicrafts, handloom and apparel, tea and spices, as well as 

industrial products. During the programme, regional enterprises displayed their products through a table-to-table arrangement, allowing member exporters and export service providers to engage directly with suppliers and producers from the region.  The session also provided an opportunity for discussions related to export procedures, logistics and market requirements. The event also gave smaller enterprises and aspiring exporters exposure to export market requirements and information on product preparation for international markets. Representatives from the EDB, Industrial Development Board (IDB), NEDA and the ISB were present during the programme.

Following the ISB programme, the NCE delegation proceeded to a second B2B session coordinated by the EDB at ASLIYA Kallista Restaurant & Café in Kurunegala. The session was attended by approximately 20 enterprises from the region, including exporters and aspiring exporters.

Meanwhile, the programme created an opportunity to identify enterprises, producers and innovative products from the province and connect them with established exporters, improving access to export markets and opportunities to become part of existing supply chains.

NCE’s next regional visit will cover the Northern Province, including the districts of Mannar, Kilinochchi and Jaffna, from 21 to 23 July.