The 26th Presidential Export Awards Ceremony, organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), will take place on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) under the patronage of His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.

The Presidential Export Award is the highest recognition awarded by the President to Sri Lankan exporters who have made significant contributions to the export sector and the economic development of the country. This awards ceremony aims to honor exporters who have played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s economic growth.

Initiated by the EDB in 1981, the Presidential Export Awards have been held 25 times. The 26th ceremony is expected to be held with approximately 1,500 invitees, including Cabinet Ministers, diplomatic representatives, government officials, award winners, and exporters.

This year's ceremony recognizes the best exporters for the 2023/24 financial year. The awards will be presented under two main categories, comprising 14 overall awards and 51 sector-specific awards. Additionally, merit awards will be granted to eligible sectors based on performance and contributions to national economic objectives. Evaluation for sector-specific awards considers criteria beyond export revenue, such as market diversification, job creation, export growth, value addition, sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and export proceeds repatriation.

The EDB received a large number of applications from the export community, reflecting their enthusiasm for this prestigious accolade. Initial evaluations were conducted by a screening committee, while the final awardees were selected by an esteemed panel of judges chaired by a retired Supreme Court Judge. We are also pleased to announce that Ernst & Young (EY) is partnering as the knowledge partner for the 26th Presidential Export Awards Ceremony.

Aligned with the new government’s policy framework, strategies have been implemented to expand Sri Lanka’s exports significantly. These include market and product diversification, innovation, value addition, promoting local brands internationally, sustainable export practices, and regional value chain development. Exporters' contributions in these areas are vital to achieving the government’s goals.

The winners of the Presidential Export Awards will receive a trophy/plaque and a certificate. Additionally, the Presidential Export Award logo can be used as a marketing tool for three years from the date of the award.

The 26^th PEA is organized by the EDB under the guidance and directions of Hon. Sunil Handunneththi, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Mrs. Thilaka Jayasundara. Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and under the leadership of Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman/CEO of EDB.