Sri Lanka Wants More Than Ships Passing By

EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe, together with the Director General and senior officials, met Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof in Battaramulla to discuss strengthening Sri Lanka’s export performance, attracting investment and promoting Sri Lanka Expo, scheduled for January 14–17, 2027. The discussions covered the National Export Development Plan and its focus on priority sectors, market diversification, innovation and investment promotion, as well as the expansion of export-oriented industries and products and services. Particular attention was given to developing Sri Lanka as a regional logistics and trade hub by making greater use of its strategic position along major international shipping routes. The EDB team also briefed the Governor on the Expo’s Investment Forum, which will bring international investors, business leaders and other stakeholders together to explore opportunities across Sri Lankan sectors. The Governor pledged support for the Expo, including promoting it through relevant networks and encouraging investors and business representatives to participate, while stressing stronger cooperation between national and provincial stakeholders to attract quality investment, expand exports and create employment. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to using initiatives such as Sri Lanka Expo and its Investment Forum to showcase the country’s export capabilities, investment opportunities and logistics potential, strengthen global business partnerships and support sustainable economic growth.