EU & Sri Lanka launch craft matchmaking programme

The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Sri Lanka, in partnership with the Export Development Board (EDB), launched a pioneering initiative to position Sri Lankan craft products in the international marketplace—the Creative Sri Lanka 2030: Matchmaking Pilot Programme 2025. 

This transformative initiative aims to connect Sri Lanka’s rich craft heritage with the international market, fostering global opportunities for local brands and designers.

The launching ceremony was attended by Chaminda Pathiraja, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Bonnie Horbach, Netherlands Ambassador to   Sri Lanka; Lars Bredal, Charge d’affaires a.i, Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives; Caroline Lopes, Deputy, Political, Press and Information Section, Delegation of the European Union; Orlando Edwards, Country Head, British Council - Sri Lanka; Dr. Ayesha Wickramasinghe, Chairperson, National Crafts Council; Sisira Amarabandu, Chairman, National Design Centre; Sujeeva Senanayake, Chairperson, Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board; Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer; Cécile Hoorelbeke, Directress - Alliance Française de Colombo, Coordinator of the Alliances Françaises in Sri Lanka and the Maldives; and Mihaela Rutjens, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., Embassy of Romania, Arcidiacono Alberto, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Italy in Sri Lanka.

Held at the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, this exclusive event united five leading European and UK brands with their Sri Lankan counterparts and key international experts. Discussions centered on the role of ethical trade and design collaboration in elevating Sri Lanka’s craft sector onto the global stage.

“The time is ripe to look at craft exports in a multidimensional way,” said Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman/CEO, Export Development Board. “Sri Lanka is home to an incredible wealth of craft talent, but our creatives and artisans have often lacked the market access needed to scale their businesses globally. This collaboration serves as both a test and an opportunity—an invitation for world-class designers to co-create and partner with our finest craft makers, proving that Sri Lanka can compete in high-value export markets.” In partnership with the Delegation of the European Union in Sri Lanka, this initiative builds upon three years of research and engagement to establish a new pipeline for craft exports. By integrating micro and SME craft enterprises into international supply chains, the programme aims to expand exports and introduce Sri Lanka’s handmade traditions to a broader global audience.
During the event, stakeholders explored how Sri Lanka could redefine its position in global craft and design. European and Sri Lankan designers shared insights on ethical partnerships, sustainable production, and high-value market opportunities. 

The educational programme, supported by the British Council, will be conducted by lecturers from the University of Arts London, headed by Hannah Middleton, Knowledge Exchange Lead, from March 19 to 23.

Creative Sri Lanka 2030 is a national initiative dedicated to empowering the country’s creative industries by fostering innovation, sustainability, and global market access. The program aims to elevate Sri Lankan arts, crafts, and design through strategic collaborations and capacity-building efforts, ensuring long-term growth and international recognition.