Exporters Association of Sri Lanka elects new leadership as the industry body concluded its 29th Annual General Meeting (AGM), bringing together exporters, policymakers, diplomats, and business leaders to discuss the future of Sri Lanka’s export economy and the reforms needed to strengthen global competitiveness.
Exporters Association of Sri Lanka elects new leadership at 29th AGM
The AGM marked the appointment of a new leadership team while reaffirming the association’s commitment to advocating policies that support sustainable export growth, improve trade facilitation, and enhance Sri Lanka’s position in international markets.
Nalaka Ratnayake was elected Chairperson of the Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (EASL) for the forthcoming term. He will be supported by Manuje Hordagoda as First Vice Chairperson and Rozanne de Almeida as Second Vice Chairperson, while outgoing Chairperson Yohan Lawrence will continue to serve as Immediate Past Chairperson.
The event attracted a broad cross-section of the Sri Lanka export sector, including exporters, industry leaders, Heads of Missions, trade officials, and representatives from leading export-oriented companies. World Bank Group Country Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Gevorg Sargsyan, attended as Chief Guest alongside senior members of the business community, highlighting the importance of collaboration in driving export-led economic growth.
Reflecting on his tenure, Lawrence outlined the EASL’s advocacy efforts over the past year on key policy matters affecting exporters. These included discussions surrounding the repeal of the Simplified Value Added Tax (SVAT) scheme, improvements in trade facilitation, and the implementation of the National Single Window. He noted that the association had consistently engaged with policymakers and government institutions to ensure exporters’ concerns were represented while supporting reforms that improve Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in global trade.
Delivering the keynote address, Sargsyan acknowledged Sri Lanka’s progress in its economic recovery but stressed that stronger competitiveness would be essential to sustain higher economic growth and create quality employment opportunities.
He pointed out that manufacturing value added per worker in Sri Lanka remains significantly below comparable economies such as Vietnam and the Philippines. He also observed that Sri Lanka was the only peer economy to record negative labour productivity growth during 2024, underscoring the need for structural reforms.
According to Sargsyan, improving export competitiveness requires three strategic priorities: reducing the cost of doing business, expanding access to international markets, and attracting higher-quality foreign direct investment. He noted that countries achieving long-term prosperity have consistently embraced greater integration into global markets, stronger export performance, and rising productivity.
Addressing members for the first time as Chairperson, Ratnayake outlined his vision for the association and the broader Sri Lanka export sector, calling for faster reforms to position the country among Asia’s most competitive export destinations.
He emphasized accelerating trade digitalisation through the full implementation of the National Single Window, improving the ease of doing business, strengthening logistics performance, and lowering the overall cost of exporting. Ratnayake also highlighted the importance of export diversification, deeper participation in global value chains, and greater involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), saying a broader export base would contribute to a stronger and more resilient economy.
The Exporters Association of Sri Lanka elects new leadership at a time when the country is seeking to expand exports and attract greater investment while maintaining macroeconomic stability. Industry leaders believe continued policy reforms, efficient trade facilitation, and stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors will be critical to achieving these goals.
The newly elected Executive Committee includes representatives from Akbar Brothers Ltd., Beira Brush Ltd., Ceylon Biscuits Ltd., CIC Holdings PLC, Dipped Products PLC, Hatton National Bank PLC, Hayleys PLC, Joint Agri Products Ceylon Ltd., Lion Brewery (Ceylon) PLC, Nidro Supply Ltd., Sampath Bank PLC, Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation (SLECIC), Tea Tang Ltd., and Vintage Teas Ceylon Ltd., along with representatives from member associations.
With a renewed leadership team and a continued focus on competitiveness, innovation, and policy advocacy, the Exporters Association of Sri Lanka elects new leadership at a pivotal time for the country’s export industry, reinforcing its commitment to supporting long-term growth and strengthening Sri Lanka’s presence in international markets.