December 08, Colombo (LNW): The Export Development Board (EDB) has initiated a swift relief and recovery programme in response to the severe disruption caused by recent extreme weather events on Sri Lanka’s export industry.
As part of this effort, the EDB has begun detailed assessments to identify exporters most affected by the adverse conditions. These evaluations will form the basis for targeted support measures designed to stabilise operations and protect the country’s export capacity.
A high-level meeting was recently held at the EDB headquarters, bringing together Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Tilaka Jayasundara, EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe, Acting Director General Erandika Dissanayake, Acting Additional Director General Kumudinie Mudalige, Director of Trade Facilitation and Trade Information Sanjeewa Rathnasekara, alongside senior officials and representatives from the export community.
Wijesinghe stressed that immediate interventions are being rolled out to minimise disruptions and ensure a continuous flow of goods to international markets. Measures include restoring production capabilities, reactivating supply chains, and coordinating closely with customs, port authorities, and logistics providers to overcome delays caused by the weather.
Special attention is being given to Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), with the government focusing on swiftly re-establishing their operational capacity and safeguarding employment within the sector.
The meeting also highlighted the increasing frequency of climate-related challenges, emphasising the urgent need for sustainable and forward-looking strategies. The EDB intends to integrate green technologies and eco-friendly practices into export operations, aiming to enhance resilience, maintain competitiveness, and support Sri Lanka’s alignment with global environmental standards.
Through these concerted efforts, the EDB seeks not only to mitigate immediate losses but also to build a stronger, more climate-resilient export sector capable of withstanding future challenges.
