The Export Development Board, the apex body for export development targets 25 percent of the GDP to come from exports of goods and services by 2030.
The Government has set an ambitious target of USD 36 billion in revenue from the export sector for the same period.
“We are confident of reaching our goals this year and in the next five years through the national export strategy which aims at supporting small and medium sector exporters as well,” said Chairman/CEO, EDB, Mangala Wijesinghe on the sidelines of the event to launch the ‘Creative Sri Lanka 2030’ program last week.
The pioneering ‘Craft Matchmaking Program’ is a collaboration between leading Sri Lankan and European brands funded by the European Union.
Sri Lanka’s exports of goods and services in 2023 accounted for around 20.4% of its GDP, with manufacturing exports contributing 14%.
The EDB aims at increasing the contribution by the SME sector to exports which is currently less than 5 percent.
However, the SME sector considered as the backbone of the economy accounts for around 52 percent of the GDP and 45 percent of employment.
It is estimated that around 88 exporters contribute less than 6.5 percent of the total exports.
However, the apparel sector hopes to take its export earnings from around USD 4.5 billion to USD 8.5 billion, tea exports from around. USD 1.5 billion to USD 2.8 billion by 2030.
The Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Sri Lanka, in partnership with the Export Development Board (EDB), launched the pioneering initiative to position Sri Lankan craft products in the international marketplace — the Creative Sri Lanka 2030: Matchmaking Pilot Program 2025.
This initiative aims to connect Sri Lanka’s rich craft heritage with the international market, fostering global opportunities for local brands and designers.
Held at the EDB, the event united five European and UK brands with their Sri Lankan counterparts and key international experts. Discussions centered on the role of ethical trade and design collaboration in elevating Sri Lanka’s craft sector onto the global stage.
“The time is ripe to look at craft exports in a multidimensional way. Sri Lanka is home to an incredible wealth of craft talent, but our artisans have often lacked the market access needed to scale their businesses globally. This collaboration serves as both a test and an opportunity — an invitation for world-class designers to co-create and partner with our finest craft makers, proving that Sri Lanka can compete in high-value export markets,” said Wijesinghe.
In partnership with the Delegation of the European Union in Sri Lanka, this initiative builds upon three years of research and engagement to set up a new pipeline for craft exports. By integrating micro and SME craft enterprises into international supply chains, the program aims to expand exports and introduce Sri Lanka’s handmade traditions to a broader global audience.
Charge d’affaires a.i, the delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Lars Bredal said, “Sri Lanka’s craft sector has potential. This initiative is about inclusion, sustainability, and ensuring that traditional crafts thrive in the modern economy. We are working with the EDB to make Sri Lankan crafts truly export ready.”
During the event, stakeholders explored how Sri Lanka could redefine its position in global craft and design. European and Sri Lankan designers shared insights on ethical partnerships, sustainable production, and high-value market opportunities.
The educational program, supported by the British Council, will be conducted by lecturers from the University of Arts London, headed by Ms. Hannah Middleton, Knowledge Exchange Lead, from March 19 to 23, 2025.
Project Lead from EU Cultural Relations Platform, Robert Meeder said, “Collaboration is at the core of this initiative. This matchmaking program is the result of years of research and engagement with Sri Lankan and European industries. By fostering these partnerships, we are creating a new model for ethical trade that values heritage, sustainability, and shared growth.”
Creative Sri Lanka 2030 is a national initiative dedicated to empowering the country’s creative industries by fostering innovation, sustainability, and global market access.
After this pilot program, the EDB will continue this initiative until 2030 with the support of stakeholders.
