The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) and the Institution of Engineers, Sri Lanka (IESL) are strengthening efforts to develop a skilled professional workforce capable of supporting the country’s expanding marine and offshore engineering export sector.
The initiative reflects growing attention on Marine and Offshore Engineering as an emerging export opportunity for Sri Lanka, with demand for specialised engineering expertise increasing across international markets.
By bringing together export development capabilities and professional engineering expertise, the collaboration aims to strengthen human capital, enhance technical competencies and improve the industry’s ability to meet international standards and customer expectations.
Sri Lanka’s strategic location along major international shipping routes, together with its established maritime activities and engineering talent, offers significant potential to develop higher-value services for the global marine and offshore industries. Developing appropriately trained professionals is considered essential to translating these advantages into sustainable export earnings.
The partnership is expected to encourage closer engagement among engineers, educational and professional institutions, export-oriented businesses and other industry stakeholders. Particular emphasis is being placed on developing the specialised skills required to serve sophisticated overseas markets and strengthen Sri Lanka’s position within global maritime value chains.
The initiative also supports broader efforts to diversify the country’s export portfolio beyond traditional sectors by expanding knowledge-driven and engineering-based services.
Strengthening professional capabilities in marine and offshore engineering could create new employment opportunities while positioning Sri Lankan engineering expertise more prominently in international markets.
Continued collaboration between the EDB, IESL and industry stakeholders will be important in building a competitive talent pipeline capable of supporting the sector’s long-term export growth.
