The Sri Lanka Export Development Board is the premier state organization dealing with the promotion and development of exports. It was established in 1979 under the Sri Lanka Export Development Act No. 40 of 1979, and now functions under the Ministry of Export Development and International Trade.

The Chairman is the Chief Executive who is assisted by the Director General and the Additional Director General. Its day-to-day functions are carried out by several divisions each of which is headed by a Director.

The goal of EDB is to provide assistance and create opportunities for Sri Lankan companies to expand their business internationally, thereby increasing export sales and employment prospects in the region. EDBs staff offers consultative services to small- and mid-sized businesses located throughout Sri Lanka. EDBs also sponsors and co-sponsors educational seminars and training programs designed for exporters and potential exporters in the region.

Our knowledge of the Sri Lankan marketplace and the distribution characteristics of its many industries help your government or company increase its exports to Sri Lanka.


Our services include :

• Marketing research and feasibility studies.
  
• Sales and marketing strategies.
  
• Sales organization and distribution in the SAARC region.
  
• Seminars on understanding the Sri Lankan marketplace and how to best utilize opportunities for business in Sri Lanka.
  
• Assistance with marketing at Sri Lankan trade shows.
• Targeted databases for marketing.
  

How does EDB work?

Sri Lanka is a complex marketplace. More than 2 million people are spread across different provinces. A wide range of differences in climate and geography cover thousands of miles. There are large metropolitan areas and small rural hamlets. English language is spoken throughout the country.

With more than 10,000 trade organizations, 10,000 annual trade shows, fairs and expos, and many trade and industry publications, it's difficult for an international company to determine where to concentrate its efforts. The good news is that EDB has done its homework, is familiar with the complexities of the Sri Lankan marketplace and can focus your efforts where they will do the most good.

Here's how EDB can make your company a successful competitor in the Asian marketplace:

• Evaluates strategies for entering the Sri Lankan marketplace and penetrating overseas markets.
  
• Identifies key customers, key decision-makers and the main issues involved in choosing one product or service other another.
  
• Determines the marketing communications plan that will have the optimum impact on buyers while staying with the budget.
  
• Ascertains the sales structure that will produce the best results.
  
• Breaks through the clutter to determine which trade shows are worthwhile.
  
• Analyzes the overseas buyer's existing perceptions of your company and products from your country.
  
• Makes recommendations on how to improve the buyer's understanding of your country and your country's core competencies.

Let EDB be your company's Sri Lankan based marketing department and export development agency.
 
The dynamic overseas marketplace holds opportunities for almost any product or service. However, success in that marketplace requires solid planning and strategy, commitment and dedication, and knowledge of how to navigate the system.

EDB can put its multiple resources at your disposal to maximize your results.

Board of Management

The Board of Management of the EDB consists of the Chairman and nine (9) other members who include the Secretaries of the Ministries represented in the EDCM, members from the private sector who are experienced in the fields of industry, business, commerce, finance or any other field relevant to export, appointed by the Ministry of Export Development and International Trade.

Main Functions of  EDB

Assisting in the improvement of the macro and micro- economic environment viz a viz the development of exports, in association with the relevant state and private sector agencies and by making policy recommendations.

Formulating and implementing the National Export Development Plan and sectoral development plans, in association with the relevant state and private sector agencies.

Providing exporters with a viable overseas market-environment by active participation in trade negotiation and relevant follow-up activities.

Conducting market research/surveys and identifying market opportunities for Sri Lankan products and services.

Implementation of supply development programs including technical, quality and packaging development, in order to assist exporters/potential exporters to improve / increase the competitiveness of exports.

Formulating and implementing integrated product development and market development programs, in order to expand existing markets and support exporters / potential exporters' entry into new markets.

Implementing market promotion programs to provide product/service promotion support to groups of exporters, with a view to increasing their market share in identified markets, as well as their entry into new markets.
Promoting exports by virtue of EDB's physical presence overseas.

Implementing export development programs for small & medium enterprises (SMEs) in order to increase the awareness of the export potential of the SME sector and to encourage and assist SMEs to export.

Providing up to date information on markets, products, tariffs, regulations, international commodity prices, national /international trade statistics, as well as:

• On-line access to international data bases .
• Access to in-house trade publications.
• Provision of audio visual support material to exporters, as well as the production of video films on selected export sectors.
  

Supporting exporters and potential exporters to conduct their businesses more effectively, with the use of information and communication technology.

Assisting the export sector to achieve trade efficiency by helping them resolve their problems/constraints in association with related agencies.

Assisting in improvement of export support services in co-ordination with other service-providers.

Working with international trade promotion organizations as well as other local trade support organizations, with the purpose of assisting exporters and potential exporters in the development of business opportunities in the world market.

Implementing Human Resource development / training / awareness programs for exporters, potential exporters and related personnel, with the object of helping them acquire/enhance their skills in technology, productivity, financial/general management, export marketing, etc