The inaugural consultation session was held today (02) at the EDB in Colombo, bringing together representatives from government agencies, private sector organizations, industry associations, and development partners.
The NEDP has been identified as a key priority in the Government's Budget 2025, with the EDB mandated to lead the initiative under the Policy-Based Lending program of the Ministry of Industry & Entrepreneurship Development. The plan is expected to be completed by November 2025.
The inaugural session featured addresses from key stakeholders who underscored the strategic importance of the NEDP. Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Chathuranga Abeysinghe, addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of the plan in positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive player in global markets. EDB Chairman & CEO, Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, delivered the welcome speech, setting the tone for the consultations.
Ms. Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry & Entrepreneurship Development, and Mr. Takafumi Kadono, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Sri Lanka Resident Mission, provided remarks on the collaborative nature of the initiative.
The NEDP is designed to achieve three core objectives: enhancing Sri Lanka's trade competitiveness, expanding regional and global market linkages, and promoting sustainable, trade-led economic growth. Building upon the foundation of the National Export Strategy (2018-2022), the new plan incorporates lessons learned from previous implementation while addressing evolving global, regional, and domestic trade dynamics.
The EDB has organized an extensive consultation program scheduled from October 2–10, 2025, including eight Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and a Technical Committee Meeting. A Regional Consultation Workshop will also be conducted, followed by two validation workshops in Colombo in November 2025.
