A high-level strategic planning session aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s regional contribution to its national export agenda was recently held at the Kurunegala District Secretariat. The session focused on identifying current export conditions, regional potential, and key interventions necessary to advance export development in the North Western and North Central Provinces.

Chaired by Hon. Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, the session brought together policymakers, regional administrators, and Export Development Officers (EDOs) with the shared goal of enhancing the country’s export capacity through grassroots-level engagement.

Delivering a keynote address, Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), outlined the national export vision, setting a target of USD 36 billion in export revenue by 2030. He underscored the pivotal role of EDOs in achieving this ambitious goal, highlighting the need for strategic foresight, effective resource utilisation, and sustained commitment at regional levels.

Minister Handunnetti, addressing the participants, emphasised the importance of inter-agency coordination, particularly at the Divisional Secretariat level, to support entrepreneurs with improved access to credit, land, and infrastructure. He acknowledged the operational challenges shared by the EDOs and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to facilitating solutions and monitoring implementation effectiveness.

The forum also featured valuable contributions from key regional leaders including Hon. Tissa Kumara Waranasuriya, Governor of the North Western Province; Members of Parliament Hon. B.M. Wijesiri and Hon. Dharmapriya Dissanayake; and Mr. D.M.K.C. Dissanayake, Kurunegala District Secretary. Senior officials from the District Secretariat, EDB’s Head Office and North Western Provincial Office, Divisional Secretaries, and local exporters also participated in the session.

Minister Handunnetti confirmed that similar strategic forums will be rolled out in other provinces to ensure nationwide alignment with the export development framework.