Sri Lanka Eyes $36 Billion Export Target; Minister Handunnetti Launches ‘Sri Lanka Expo 2026’

By Lions Roar News Business Desk

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA (January 13, 2026) — Sri Lanka is positioning itself as a premier global trade hub with the official launch of Sri Lanka Expo 2026. Speaking at the announcement ceremony in Colombo, Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development, Sunil Handunnetti, emphasized the urgent need to transform the nation into a “reliable and competitive” global trading partner.

Organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), the mega-exhibition is set to take place from June 18 to 21, 2026, at the BMICH in Colombo, marking the return of the event after a 14-year hiatus.

📈 Historic Growth and Ambitious Goals

Minister Handunnetti praised the resilience of the export sector, revealing that Sri Lanka successfully crossed the $17 billion export revenue mark in 2025.

• The 2030 Vision: The government aims to reach a massive $36 billion national export goal by 2030.
• Industrial Expansion: Secretary to the Ministry of Industries, Thilaka Jayasundara, noted that the goal is to increase the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP from the current 16% to 28% by 2030.
• Land for Industry: To support this, the government plans to increase land allocated for industrial use to 1% of the country’s total land area by 2030.

🌍 Diversification Beyond Tradition

The Minister called on exporters to move beyond traditional markets and products to capture emerging global trends.

• Key Focus Sectors: The Expo will highlight high-potential areas including:
  • ICT and Technology
  • Creative Industries
  • Lifestyle Products
  • Advanced Agriculture
• Diplomatic Support: Handunnetti urged Sri Lanka’s foreign diplomatic missions to play a proactive role in connecting local exporters with international buyers and investors.

🤝 What to Expect at Sri Lanka Expo 2026

EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe announced that the event is expected to attract over 1,500 international buyers.

• Participants: More than 750 exhibitors representing 24 diverse product and service sectors.
• Highlights:
  • B2B Meetings: Direct business-to-business networking sessions.
  • Investor Forums: Platforms for global capital to meet local innovation.
  • Cultural & Culinary Shows: Showcasing Sri Lankan heritage and world-class local food.
  • Fashion Shows: Featuring the best of Sri Lankan apparel and design.