Sri Lanka’s export sector has continued its growth momentum in 2025, recording total earnings of US$ 11,554.32 millionin the first eight months of the year — a 6.61% increase compared to the same period in 2024, the Export Development Board (EDB) reported.
In August 2025 alone, combined merchandise and services exports reached US$ 1,607.58 million, reflecting a 2.57% year-on-year growth. The EDB said the performance underscores the effectiveness of strategies to expand market access and strengthen global competitiveness.
EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe noted:
“This encouraging growth highlights Sri Lanka’s increasing integration into global trade and the success of our continued efforts to strengthen export competitiveness while diversifying market opportunities. Our exporters have once again demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability in navigating evolving global challenges.”
He added that cumulative earnings of over US$ 11.6 billion during January–August reflect the strength, determination, and innovation of exporters despite global uncertainties.
Merchandise exports grew by 5.13% year-on-year in August, reaching US$ 1,294.83 million, according to provisional Sri Lanka Customs data. For January–August 2025, merchandise exports totaled US$ 9,092.85 million, up 6.89%compared to the previous year.
Services exports also contributed significantly, with estimated earnings of US$ 312.75 million in August. Over the first eight months of 2025, services exports grew 5.57%, reaching US$ 2,461.46 million.
The EDB highlighted that ICT/BPM, Construction, Financial Services, and Transport & Logistics remain key drivers of services exports, underscoring the rising importance of Sri Lanka’s knowledge-based economy in diversifying the country’s export portfolio and creating high-value jobs.
