Colombo, 20 March 2025 – The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Export Development Board (EDB), has launched the Creative Sri Lanka 2030: Matchmaking Pilot Programme 2025—a pioneering initiative to position Sri Lankan craft products in the global market.

This initiative aims to bridge Sri Lanka’s rich craft heritage with international brands and designers, fostering global opportunities for local artisans and SMEs. The exclusive event brought together five leading European and UK brands with their Sri Lankan counterparts, alongside key international experts.

Elevating Sri Lankan Crafts to Global Markets

Held at the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, the event highlighted the role of ethical trade and design collaborations in scaling Sri Lanka’s craft sector.

“The time is ripe to look at craft exports in a multidimensional way,” said Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman/CEO, EDB. “Sri Lanka is home to incredible craft talent, but our artisans have often lacked global market access. This collaboration is an opportunity to partner with world-class designers and position Sri Lanka as a high-value craft exporter.”

The programme builds upon three years of research and engagement with European partners to create a new pipeline for craft exports. It focuses on integrating micro and SME craft enterprises into international supply chains, promoting ethical production, sustainability, and heritage preservation.

“Sri Lanka’s craft sector has immense potential,” said Lars Bredal, Chargé d’Affaires a.i., EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives. “This initiative is about inclusion, sustainability, and making Sri Lankan crafts truly export-ready.”

Knowledge Exchange & Sustainable Craft Development

An educational programme, supported by the British Council, will be conducted by lecturers from the University of the Arts London from 19–23 March 2025, led by Hannah Middleton, Knowledge Exchange Lead.

“Collaboration is at the core of this initiative,” said Robert Meeder, Project Lead, EU Cultural Relations Platform. “By fostering these partnerships, we are creating a new model for ethical trade that values heritage, sustainability, and shared growth.”

The Creative Sri Lanka 2030 initiative is committed to empowering Sri Lanka’s creative industries through innovation, sustainability, and strategic global partnerships. Following the pilot phase, the EDB will continue this programme until 2030 with the support of key stakeholders.