Edges of Sri Lanka was launched alongside Sri Lanka Expo 2026 to sharpen the country’s national brand in global markets. The initiative reframes Sri Lanka’s export and investment story through evidence-backed strengths, enterprise case studies, and a future-facing economic narrative.
Edges of Sri Lanka aligns exports, investment, and narrative at Sri Lanka Expo 2026
Launched in tandem with Sri Lanka Expo 2026, Edges of Sri Lanka marks a coordinated effort to reposition the island’s economic identity for global buyers, investors, and partners. Developed by the Export Development Board (EDB) with the Board of Investment, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and Deloitte as knowledge partner, the initiative presents a structured, data-led perspective on Sri Lanka’s competitiveness, resilience, and long-term growth trajectory.
At its core, the initiative seeks to move beyond generic country promotion and toward a clearer articulation of how Sri Lankan enterprises create value in international markets. By grounding the national narrative in real-world business examples, Edges of Sri Lanka offers international stakeholders a more credible and practical understanding of the country’s evolving capabilities, from innovation and sustainability to talent depth and adaptive business models.
The launch coincides with Sri Lanka Expo 2026, which is designed as a high-impact platform to showcase export-oriented industries and facilitate direct engagement between Sri Lankan companies and global buyers. Scheduled to be held from June 18 to 21 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall in Colombo, the exhibition brings together agriculture, industrial products, and export services under the unifying theme “Island with Infinite Opportunities.” The Expo’s emphasis on structured business-to-business meetings reflects a clear focus on commercially viable outcomes rather than symbolic visibility.
Edges of Sri Lanka complements this deal-making objective by supplying context. While the Expo enables transactions and partnerships, the branding initiative explains why Sri Lanka is a competitive sourcing and investment destination in the first place. Deloitte describes the framework as evidence-based, highlighting established strengths alongside emerging capabilities that collectively support sustainable economic growth. This alignment between narrative and market engagement is intended to strengthen confidence among investors who increasingly demand transparency, credibility, and long-term viability.
Government and industry leaders have underscored the strategic value of this dual-platform approach. Minister of Industry Sunil Handunnetti has described the Expo as a gateway for exporters to access new markets and attract international buyers, noting that it brings together policies, products, and people to create tangible opportunities. Within that context, Edges of Sri Lanka functions as the intellectual and strategic backbone, ensuring that engagements are informed by a coherent national value proposition.
From the perspective of export development, the initiative provides clarity. EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe has emphasized that while the Expo opens doors to markets and partnerships, Edges of Sri Lanka deepens understanding of the quality, talent, and resilience that define the country’s business environment. This clarity is particularly relevant in a global climate where buyers and investors are reassessing supply chains, prioritising reliability, and seeking partners capable of long-term collaboration.
The structure of Edges of Sri Lanka is built around four thematic areas that reflect different dimensions of opportunity. These include unlocking community potential, accelerating nature-driven prosperity, innovating from technological frontiers, and championing Brand Sri Lanka. Together, these themes illustrate how enterprises across sectors are scaling responsibly, embedding sustainability, and building global relevance while remaining rooted in local strengths. Rather than abstract concepts, each theme is brought to life through curated case studies of Sri Lankan businesses demonstrating measurable impact and adaptability.
Deloitte’s involvement draws on regional experience. The initiative builds on the Edges of Southeast Asia programme by the Singapore Economic Development Board, which showcased innovators ranging from early-stage startups to large conglomerates. According to Deloitte leaders, applying a similar analytical lens to Sri Lanka helps surface credible capabilities that already exist while highlighting ideas shaping the country’s economic future. This comparative framing positions Sri Lanka not as an outlier, but as a competitive participant in regional and global value chains.
Accessibility is another defining feature. Presented through a digital booklet and curated case study cards, Edges of Sri Lanka is designed for practical use by investors, buyers, and partners seeking quick yet substantive insights. By translating the export and investment narrative into tangible business examples, the initiative strengthens decision-making, supports informed dialogue, and reinforces Sri Lanka’s positioning as a destination for value-based, long-term partnerships.
As Sri Lanka seeks to consolidate recovery and accelerate growth, the combined impact of Sri Lanka Expo 2026 and Edges of Sri Lanka reflects a maturing approach to national branding. It signals a shift from broad promotional messaging to disciplined storytelling anchored in evidence, enterprise performance, and future readiness. For global stakeholders, the message is clear: Sri Lanka is not only open for business, but increasingly articulate about where it competes best and how it intends to grow.