Established in 1979 and guided by ITC and UNCTAD principles, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) is Sri Lanka’s premier organisation for the development and promotion of exports.

Its mission is to position Sri Lanka as a prominent export hub for innovative products & services. As the executive body of the Export Development Council of Ministers headed by the President of Sri Lanka, SLEDB’s primary focus is to play the role of:

• Policy Adviser – Advising the government on national export development policies to create an optimal environment for exports
• Monitor – Monitoring the performance and function of the export sector
• Promoter – Implementing product, design, market and other development programmes to promote Sri Lanka’s products and services
• Facilitator – Serving as the focal point of export development, facilitating and co-coordinating export development activities with all stakeholders
• Knowledge Provider – Providing advisory services and information with regard to all aspects of the export business and advisory assistance to the exporters

SLEDB’s scope has extended beyond its original responsibility as a trade promotion organisation to include:

• Formulating National Export Development Plans
• Facilitating the supply and diversification of products and services
• Executing research and market development programmes
• Helping to resolve the issues exporters face during their interaction with government bodies
• Development of skills within the Sri Lankan exporter community

To meet these objectives, SLEDB offers consultative services to small-and-mid-sized businesses located throughout Sri Lanka, and sponsor/co-sponsor educational seminars and training programs designed for exporters and potential exporters in the region.

• Market research and feasibility studies
• Strategies for global market positioning
• Assistance to access overseas markets
• Development of sales structures