Sri Lanka’s Electronics Industry Wants to Get the Numbers Moving
Sri Lanka’s electronics and electrical industry earned US$440 million in export revenue in 2025, making it the country’s fifth-largest merchandise export revenue earner. With more than 100 companies and over 37,000 employees, the sector is now working towards a US$1 billion export target by 2028. A recent meeting with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka focused on the foreign exchange rules and regulations that could help the industry reach that goal.
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB), in collaboration with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), organised a seminar on 6 October 2026 at the CBSL Head Office in Colombo, with the participation of more than 35 senior management representatives from the electronics and electrical sector.
The programme aimed to support the industry by drawing on the Central Bank’s expertise to share knowledge and address issues relating to foreign exchange rules, inward and outward transactions, working capital regulations and the repatriation of foreign exchange earnings.
The Sri Lankan electronics and electrical industry is making an increasingly important contribution to the country’s export-led economic development. Its products and services have gained acceptance among established global market leaders, while the industry has strengthened its position in the global value-added electronics supply chain.
The sector is one of the priority areas identified under the National Export Development Plan (NEDP). An action plan has been drawn up to achieve an export target of US$1 billion by 2028. Reaching this goal will require foreign exchange regulations, monetary policies and fiscal policies that support exporters and help businesses operate effectively in international markets.
Mr Eranadika Dissnayake, Director General of the SLEDB, addressed the gathering and explained the objectives of the seminar.
Mr Kapila G. Weerkoon, Deputy Director; Mr Nuwan Jayaweera, Senior Assistant Director of the Department of Foreign Exchange; and Ms Ishadhi Poornima, Assistant Director of the Communications Department at the CBSL, delivered presentations on foreign exchange rules, transaction and working capital regulations, and foreign exchange repatriation regulations relevant to exporters.
The event provided a platform for electronics and electrical sector representatives and Central Bank officials to exchange knowledge, discuss regulatory and operational difficulties faced by manufacturing companies, and explore ways to resolve these issues.
With the industry targeting US$1 billion in export revenue by 2028, addressing these practical concerns remains an important part of its efforts to expand its contribution to Sri Lanka’s economy.
