Boosting exports: EDB empowers Eastern Province entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs and stakeholders attending the awareness seminar conducted by the EDB in Batticaloa

 Experts providing business consultation and support to entrepreneurs at the business clinic

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) successfully organised an awareness seminar on the New Exporter Development Programme on 18 February at the Techno Park of Eastern University, Sri Lanka, in Batticaloa. This event marked a significant milestone in the EDB’s efforts to enhance the export potential of entrepreneurs in the Eastern Province.

The primary objective of the program was to encourage domestic enterprises to invest in export industries while identifying and addressing the challenges faced by businesses. Additionally, the program aimed to assess and develop potential entrepreneurs, equipping them with the necessary support from both public and private sector stakeholders to enter the international market.

The event attracted approximately 250 entrepreneurs and start-ups with export potential from the Eastern Province. Key focus sectors included Fisheries Products, Fruits and Vegetables, Processed Foods, Export Services, and Lifestyle Products such as Handlooms and Handicrafts. The one-day event featured an Awareness Seminar, a Mini Exhibition, and a Business Clinic, providing participants with valuable insights and networking opportunities.

Entrepreneurs from the Eastern Province actively engaged in the forum, gaining essential knowledge and skills to better cater to export markets. The program offered a range of services, including Capacity Building for Entrepreneurs, Product and Design Development Support, Market Development, Business Consultation Services, and a Mini Exhibition showcasing various products and services aligned with the international market.

Several key stakeholders and institutions collaborated with the EDB to provide essential services to entrepreneurs during the event. These included the Bank of Ceylon, People’s Bank, Sampath Bank PLC, Sri Lanka Telecom, Sri Lanka Customs, Industrial Technology Institute (ITI), Control Union Inspection Sri Lanka Ltd., Lanka Shipping & Logistics Ltd., National Institute of Post-Harvest Management Research & Development Centre, Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI), National Engineering Research and Development Centre (NERD), Department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Industrial Development Board (IDB), National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA), Small and Medium Enterprises Development Division (SEDD), National Productivity Secretariat (NPS), National Crafts Council (NCC), Sri Lanka Institute of Textiles and Apparel (SLITA), Earth Bound Creations Ltd., Printcare Digital Solutions Ltd., Kiyota Coffee Company Ltd., and Shades IT Solutions.

EDB Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe, EDB Director General C.D. Dharmasena, and EDB Additional Director General – Development Anoma Premathilake, attended the event. Representing the local administration, District Secretary/Government Agent of the Batticaloa District J.J. Muraleetharan also contributed to the discussions. Additionally, distinguished academics, including Eastern University, Sri Lanka Faculty of Commerce and Management Dean Prof. N. Rajeshwaran, along with Government representatives and private sector stakeholders, graced the occasion.

The awareness seminar in Batticaloa provided a valuable platform for entrepreneurs to explore export opportunities, gain industry insights, and connect with relevant stakeholders, reinforcing the EDB’s commitment to developing Sri Lanka’s export sector.