A Room Full of Global Buyers Means Nothing Without the Right Conversation
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has turned to the University of Kelaniya to help Sri Lankan exporters communicate more effectively with international buyers ahead of Sri Lanka Expo 2027, recognising that language skills could play an important role in turning business meetings into export opportunities.
An EDB delegation led by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe recently visited the University of Kelaniya for discussions at the Vice-Chancellor’s office.
The EDB delegation included Director General Erandika Dissanayake, Additional Director General (Development) Kumuduni Mudaliage, Director (Export Services) Indumini Kodikara and Expo Consultant Coordinator Anoma Premathilake.
Representing the university were Vice-Chancellor Professor Narada Fernando, Senior Professor Patrick Ratnayake, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, Dr Udara de Silva, Head of the Department of Modern Languages, and Senior Lecturer Udeshika Perera, Head of the Department of Hindi, together with academic staff of the Department of Modern Languages.
During the meeting, EDB officials outlined the Board’s responsibilities in advising the government on export policy formulation, capacity building, export facilitation, export performance monitoring and introducing Sri Lankan exporters to international markets through promotional activities.
They also briefed the university on the National Export Development Plan (NEDP), which is being implemented over five years with the aim of increasing exports by US$36 billion by 2030.
Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe also updated the university on preparations for Sri Lanka Expo 2027, a major international exhibition scheduled to take place at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) from 14 to 17 January 2027.
The first three days of the exhibition will be dedicated to international buyers and investors, while the final day will be open to the general public.
A key issue discussed was how foreign-language skills could help Sri Lanka welcome international delegations and make the most of business opportunities during the exhibition.
The EDB emphasised that the requirement extends beyond interpretation. Effective communication will also be important in business negotiations and documentation, where misunderstandings could complicate discussions between Sri Lankan companies and overseas partners.
The Board will share its specific expectations and targets with the university as the two sides explore ways to support the event.
The discussions also covered student internships, translation services, an orientation programme at the university and a process to recognise and appreciate the services provided.
With international buyers and investors expected to gather in Colombo for Expo 2027, the proposed collaboration could help Sri Lankan exporters prepare for conversations that may lead to new business relationships and opportunities in overseas markets.
