26th Presidential Export Awards on 7 February

• EDB Chief Mangala Wijesinghe says this year’s awards will be presented under two main categories, comprising 14 overall awards and 51 sectoral awards for products and services each financial year
• Implements new strategies to expand export volumes via market and product diversification, value addition, global recognition, sustainable export practices, and regional value chain development
• Introduces ‘Innovative Export Service Provider of the Year’ and ‘Innovative Export Product for the Year’ to reward service and product sectors separately

By Janani Kandaramage 

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) will host the 26th edition of the Presidential Export Awards (PEA) ceremony on 7 February at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The PEA stands at the pinnacle of recognition bestowed by the President to Sri Lankan exporters who have made exceptional contributions to the country’s export sector and economic advancement. These esteemed accolades seek to honour and acknowledge exporters who have played a pivotal role in steering Sri Lanka’s economic growth.

Addressing the media, EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe said this year’s awards celebrates the best exporters for the 2023/2024 financial year, and will be presented under two main categories, comprising 14 overall awards and 51 sectoral awards for products and services each financial year.

He said the new overall and sectoral awards have been introduced after reviewing the PEA presented over the past few years.

“Accordingly, awards such as ‘Innovative Export Service Provider of the Year’ and ‘Innovative Export Product for the Year’ were introduced compared to last year to reward service sector companies and product sector companies separately, celebrating all kinds of expertise,” he added.

Additionally, he said merit awards will be granted to eligible sectors based on performance and contributions to national economic objectives. “Assessment for these sector specific awards considers criteria beyond export revenue generated, including extent of market diversification, job creation, export growth, value addition, sustainability, corporate social responsibility initiatives, and exports proceeds repatriation,” Wijesinghe added.

With Ernst & Young as the knowledge partner for the 26th PEA, EDB received extensive applications from the export community, signifying the immense prestige associated with these accolades. Initial evaluations are performed by a screening committee, with the final awardees being chosen by an esteemed panel of judges chaired by a retired Supreme Court Judge. 

The PEA initiated by the EDB in 1981, had organised 25 ceremonies thus far. The 26th ceremony will witness a participation of around 1,500 invitees including Ministers, diplomatic corps, Government officials, award winners as well as exporters. 

In line with the new Government’s policy framework, the EDB has implemented new strategies to expand Sri Lanka’s export volumes via market and product diversification, adding value to existing products, promoting the global visibility of local brands, sustainable export practices, and regional value chain development.

 The winners of the PEA will be presented with a trophy or plaque and a certificate of achievement to commemorate their success in enhancing export excellence, and the PEA logo can be utilised as an effective marketing tool for three years from the date of the award.

The 26th PEA is organised by the EDB under the guidance and instructions of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi, its Deputy Minister Chaturanga Abeysinghe and its Secretary Thilaka Jayasundera, under the leadership of Mangala Wijesinghe.