The Export Development Board (EDB) of Sri Lanka hosted an orientation programme on 16 January 2026 for the newly appointed Heads of Sri Lanka Missions overseas, aimed at strengthening collaboration in promoting the country’s exports. The programme provided an overview of Sri Lanka’s export landscape, strategic priorities, and the role of Missions in supporting trade and investment promotion initiatives.

The session began with welcome remarks from Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and CEO of the EDB, followed by self-introductions from the Heads of Missions. Senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, and the EDB also participated in the discussions. Among the newly appointed Heads of Sri Lanka Missions were Mr. Dharshana M. Perera, High Commissioner to Malaysia; Mr. D.M.S.P. Dassanayake, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva; Ms. Dayani Mendis, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Austria; Mr. S.P.W. Pathirana, Ambassador to Romania; Ms. N.I.D. Paranavitana, Ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union; Mr. Saman Kumara Chandrasiri, Ambassador to Israel; Mr. Dhammika Fernando, High Commissioner to Kenya; and Mr. M. Fawzer Farook, Representative to Palestine.

The group of diplomats also included Mr. Anura Withanage, Ambassador to Lebanon; Prof. M.I. Fazeeha Azmi, Ambassador to Iran; Ms. B.A.D.A.P. Perera, Consul General to Los Angeles; Ms. S.D.M. Peiris, Consul General to Toronto; and Mr. M.T. Mohamed Laffar, Consul General to Jeddah. Additionally, Mr. D.D.P. Senanayake participated in the session while awaiting his formal designation and country assignment.

During the programme, the EDB Chairman/CEO presented a comprehensive overview of Sri Lanka’s export sector, highlighting the country’s current global positioning, export performance trends, national targets, and the Board’s strategic approach to export development. Emphasis was placed on the importance of close coordination between Sri Lanka Missions and the EDB, particularly in identifying market opportunities, resolving trade barriers, and facilitating connections for Sri Lankan exporters in both established and emerging markets.

Ms. Saumya Kannangara, Acting Director of the Market Development Division, provided further insights into bilateral trade performance with the respective markets represented by the Heads of Missions. She highlighted priority sectors, export potential, and areas where Missions could play a catalytic role in trade facilitation and promotion.

A key focus of the programme was the upcoming Sri Lanka Expo 2026, the country’s flagship international trade promotion event. The importance of active involvement by Sri Lanka Missions in promoting the Expo, disseminating information to trade organizations and potential buyers, and encouraging investor and buyer delegations to visit Sri Lanka was strongly emphasized.

The orientation concluded with a discussion on the way forward, reaffirming the importance of strengthened collaboration between the EDB and Sri Lanka Missions to enhance the country’s export performance. The newly appointed Heads of Missions expressed their commitment to supporting export promotion initiatives, facilitating buyer linkages, and promoting key national trade events such as Sri Lanka Expo 2026. The EDB looks forward to continued partnership with Sri Lanka Missions to expand the country’s global trade footprint, diversify export markets, and contribute to sustainable economic growth.