June 01, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s export sector continued its upward trajectory in April, delivering a notable increase in foreign exchange earnings and providing further encouragement for the country’s economic recovery efforts.
According to figures released by the Export Development Board (EDB), export income for April reached US$ 1.38 billion, reflecting sustained demand for Sri Lankan products in international markets.
Cumulative export earnings for the first four months of the year climbed to US$ 5.784 billion, underscoring the sector’s growing contribution to national revenue.
Plantation and Community Infrastructure Minister Samantha Vidyaratne highlighted the strong performance of the tea industry, noting that tea exports alone generated approximately US$ 451 million between January and April.
The sector remains one of Sri Lanka’s leading foreign exchange earners, supported by steady global demand for Ceylon Tea and expanding access to key export destinations.
Industry observers say the positive export trend reflects the resilience of several major sectors, including tea, apparel, rubber-based products and agricultural exports, despite ongoing uncertainties in the global economy.
Meanwhile, attention also turned to one of the tea industry’s most cherished annual traditions as the “Tea Mangalya” ceremony was held at the Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy. The event marks the symbolic offering of the first tea harvest gathered after the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, reflecting the deep cultural and historical ties between the tea industry and the nation’s heritage.
The ceremony was attended by Minister Vidyaratne, Sri Lanka Tea Commissioner K.A.M.K. Jayawardena, plantation sector representatives and religious dignitaries.