President calls on exporters to seize new opportunities to lead economy

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake 

• In address at 26th Presidential Export Awards, reaffirms Govt.’s support for export sector 
• Awards recognise 14 major winners and 51 companies 
• Stresses importance of trust between SL and international economic stakeholders 
• Advocates strategic trade agreements that align with national interests than aggressive trade policies 
• Acknowledges country’s weak market position, need for external support 
• Highlights Govt. initiatives to provide technical assistance, improve product quality 
• Emphasises renewable energy investments, lower electricity tariffs to boost competitiveness 

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Friday urged exporters to seize new opportunities and drive economic recovery, stating the need for strategic engagement in global markets. 

Addressing the 26th Presidential Export Awards at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) last Friday, he reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to supporting exporters as they rebuild the economic future.

The Presidential Export Awards, initiated in 1981 by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), recognise exporters who make significant contributions to the economy. The latest edition honoured 14 major award winners and 51 companies across the production and service sectors, with recipients gaining the right to use the Presidential Export Award logo for three years as a global marketing tool.

Dissanayake reiterated his commitment to fostering an export-driven economic recovery, asserting the importance of trust between Sri Lanka and international economic stakeholders.  He assured exporters that their concerns would be addressed and invited them to work alongside the Government to strengthen the economy.

“The Government’s role is to facilitate the conditions for success, but it is the exporters who must take the lead in rebuilding the country’s economic future,” he said.

Dissanayake also underscored the interconnected nature of the global economy, insisting that Sri Lanka must compete strategically for market share rather than adopting aggressive or reckless trade policies. 

He called for well-structured trade agreements that align with Sri Lanka’s national interests, cautioning against hasty decisions that could have long-term economic consequences.

The President acknowledged the country’s weak market position, noting that external support was necessary to regain lost ground. 

He stressed that economic stabilisation efforts had created a foundation for recovery and the Government was prepared to assist exporters in leveraging these for long-term growth. 

Recognising the pressures faced by exporters, the President highlighted initiatives to provide technical assistance and support for high-quality product development. 

He also outlined the Government’s focus on renewable energy, stating that lower electricity costs would contribute to the long-term competitiveness of Sri Lankan industries.

The awards ceremony was attended by several distinguished individuals, including Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi, Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, Senior Adviser to the President Duminda Hulangamuwa, along with exporters, other Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Parliamentarians, foreign diplomats, Ministry Secretaries, and officials of the EDB.

Overall Awards 2023/24

1.Best SME Exporter - eMarketingEye Ltd.

2. Emerging Exporter - Link Natural Products Ltd.

3. Woman Exporter - Ashok Garments Ltd.

4. Best Performing Exporter in Emerging Markets - MAS Holdings

5. Contributor from the Regions to the Export Supply Chain - MAS Holdings

6. Innovative Export Service - OREL IT Ltd.

7. Innovative Export Product - Dipped Products PLC

8. Contributor to Sustainable Development in Exports - MAS Holdings

9. Best Value-Added Exporter - Sysco LABS Technologies Ltd.

10. Best Exporter in Product Diversification - MAS Holdings

11. Market Diversified Exporter - Dilmah Ceylon Tea Company PLC

12. Globally Outreached Sri Lankan Brand - Akbar Brothers Ltd.

13. Net Foreign Exchange Earner - MAS Holdings

14. Exporter of the Year - MAS Holdings