The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) in a statement yesterday (06) congratulated Suresh de Mel  for his appointment as the Chairman of the Export Development Board (EDB), an important State Institution, bestowing in promoting and Developing the Export Sector of Sri Lanka, making an indispensable contribution to sustain the economy of the Country.

As the Managing Director of Fishing Flies (Pvt) Ltd which engaged in the export of Artificial Fish Baits especially to the USA market, De Mel succeeded his father Nihal De Mel, an Engineer and Technical Director who served the Industrial Development Board in late 1960s.

Suresh De Mel is an Environmental Engineer by profession who acquired experience in USA. He has been actively engaged in the Hambanthota Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is well known for supporting both Exports and Tourism sectors, especially by the SME sector. He has also promoted entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka through the Global Entrepreneurship Network.

De Mel also serves as the Co- Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Trade Promotion and Trade Information related to the implementation of the National Export Strategy (NES) under the purview of the Export Development Board.  In this capacity, he empowered the Public and Private Sectors to collaborate in the identification of priorities, to improve Export Performance of the Export Sector. Currently, Mr. De Mel serves as a Council Member cum Board Member of the Employers Federation of Ceylon (EFC), representing Small and Medium Enterprises and Regional Chambers of Commerce.

NCE said: "Being himself a successful entrepreneur in the SME category related to Exports, De Mel will be an advantageous to foster the development of SME exporters, who pursue the potential to make a vital contribution to the economy of Sri Lanka."

While appreciating the services provided by the EDB for private sector in Promoting, Developing, and Expanding exports, NCE said it will be pleased to collaborate closely with the EDB in future, under De Mel’s leadership.