The message from Chairman and Chief Executive of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board
Iam delighted to extend my heartiest congratulations to the winners of the 25th Presidential Export Awards. This year’s Presidential Export Awards had a special significance, as it recognised the achievements of exporters who performed exceptionally during probably the most challenging times in the history of Sri Lanka, that were characterised by unprecedented political and economic upheavals as well as disruptions from the COVID pandemic. I convey my sincere appreciation towards the country’s exporter community who demonstrated their resilience and supported the nation’s economy while navigating through tremendous obstacles over the past two years.
The EDB, as the premier export promotion agency in Sri Lanka, with the support of other government stakeholder agencies, facilitated the continuous operations of the export industries when their activities were affected by unfavourable developments during the crisishit period. Furthermore, the EDB over the last few months, have undertaken bold and pragmatic steps in order to extend a superior service to the nation’s exporter community. The National Packaging Centre was established recently in the EDB premises to support the growth of the local manufacturers with export potential. Also, in order to forge a close relationship with the general public, the Board successfully organised its inaugural “Open Day” programme last June, aimed at providing guidance to innovative entrepreneurs to enter the field of exports, which was supplemented with follow-up and continuous direction.
The Government under the leadership of Hon President Ranil Wickremesinghe is committed towards transforming Sri Lanka into a highly competitive, export-oriented economy, and the EDB is prepared to assist the Government in realising its economic development objectives by fulfilling its mandated role as the policy adviser, monitor, promoter, facilitator, and knowledge provider for the promotion and development of Sri Lanka’s exports. I take this opportunity to thank Hon President Ranil Wickremesinghe and Hon State Minister of Investment Promotion Dilum Amunugama for their guidance and encouragement to execute the programmes and activities of the EDB. Finally, I hope our exporters would achieve greater heights, as they continue their endeavours to make our motherland a prosperous nation.