EDB to establish eight regional export hubs in 2025 to lift GDP growth

By Nuzla Rizkiya

The Export Development Board (EDB) is gearing up to establish eight regional export hubs across selected districts this year in a bid to improve export contribution to GDP.

Speaking to Mirror Business, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe stated that the initiative is part of the government’s strategy for Sri Lanka’s export sector, with the goal of increasing its share to 25 percent of GDP by 2030.

With Sri Lanka facing significant debt repayments by 2028, Wijesinghe emphasised that exports will play a crucial role in boosting foreign reserves, with the government aiming to increase them to US$ 15 billion within the next five years.

To support this, the EDB has finalised a plan to establish 25 export hubs across all districts, with eight of them set to be launched in 2025 based on their export potential.

“Polonnaruwa has been identified as an export hub for ornamental fish. If we manage to set up 8–10 village points in the area focused on this product, both local and international buyers can be directed to the region,” Wijesinghe explained.

Similarly, Nuwara Eliya is being positioned as a coffee export hub, while Matara will focus on spices. Poultry production has also been identified as a key sector for expansion, given its potential to generate employment opportunities. 

The remaining districts are yet to be finalised and assessed according to Wijeshinghe who shared that the initiative has already gained significant traction among local businesses to set up the hubs.
“I can tell you that this year, we will be able to finalise  6–8 export hubs in several districts across the country,” Wijesinghe said.