EDB, Verité Research empower women-led exporters in Kandy through a targeted trade data training initiative aimed at strengthening export capabilities and improving global market access for regional entrepreneurs.
EDB, Verité Research empower women-led exporters in Kandy with trade data skills
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with Verité Research, recently conducted its second training programme titled “Leveraging Trade Data for Export Success” in Kandy, extending specialised support to women-led exporters in the Central Province and surrounding regions.
The initiative, implemented under the EDB’s Women Entrepreneurship Development Program, builds on the success of its inaugural session held in Colombo. By decentralising access to such programmes, the EDB is seeking to bridge regional gaps in export readiness and ensure that women entrepreneurs outside the Western Province are equipped with the tools required to compete in international markets.
The Kandy session brought together a diverse group of women-led exporters and aspiring entrepreneurs representing sectors with strong export potential. Participants were introduced to key concepts in global trade analysis, including interpreting international market trends, identifying emerging demand patterns, and aligning products with suitable export destinations.
A core focus of the programme was to enable participants to adopt a more data-driven approach to business decision-making. Through a combination of interactive sessions, group discussions, and hands-on exercises, attendees were guided on how to utilise trade data effectively to enhance competitiveness. The training also emphasised practical applications, allowing participants to translate theoretical insights into actionable export strategies.
The EDB, Verité Research empower women-led exporters in Kandy initiative highlighted the importance of understanding global trade ecosystems in a rapidly evolving economic environment. With increasing competition and shifting demand dynamics, access to reliable data and the ability to interpret it accurately have become critical for exporters seeking sustainable growth.
A key component of the programme was the introduction to trade data platforms and analytical tools. Participants were given direct exposure to systems that provide insights into international trade flows, enabling them to identify high-potential markets and evaluate competitive landscapes. This hands-on experience was designed to build confidence among participants in navigating complex global trade information systems.
The training sessions were conducted by the International Economics Program team of Verité Research. Lead Economist Mathisha Arangala delivered in-depth presentations on interpreting global trade statistics and converting data into practical export strategies. His sessions focused on demystifying complex datasets and providing clear frameworks for decision-making.
Research Analyst Bulani Weerawadane complemented these sessions by guiding participants through applied exercises. She demonstrated how exporters can use data tools to assess market entry opportunities, benchmark against competitors, and refine their export positioning in line with global demand trends.
The programme forms part of a broader effort to enhance women entrepreneurship Sri Lanka by providing targeted capacity-building initiatives that address both knowledge and access gaps. By focusing on practical skills and real-world applications, the training aims to create a pipeline of export-ready women-led enterprises capable of contributing more significantly to national trade performance.
Moreover, the initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen Sri Lanka export development through inclusive and regionally balanced strategies. By extending support to entrepreneurs in Kandy and neighbouring areas, the EDB is promoting wider participation in export-oriented economic activities and reducing the concentration of opportunities in Colombo.
Officials noted that partnerships between public institutions and independent research organisations are critical in delivering high-impact training programmes. The collaboration with Verité Research brings analytical expertise and evidence-based methodologies into the training framework, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the initiative.
The EDB, Verité Research empower women-led exporters in Kandy programme also underscores the growing recognition of women entrepreneurs as key drivers of economic growth. By equipping them with advanced analytical capabilities, policymakers aim to unlock new export potential and foster innovation across sectors.
Participants expressed positive feedback on the programme, highlighting the value of hands-on learning and the opportunity to engage with experts in the field. Many noted that access to structured trade data and guidance on its application would significantly improve their ability to explore new markets and scale their businesses.
As Sri Lanka continues to navigate a competitive global trade landscape, initiatives such as this are expected to play a vital role in building resilience and enhancing export diversification. The focus on empowering women-led enterprises is particularly significant, given their untapped potential in contributing to inclusive economic growth.
Through continued investment in training, partnerships, and regional outreach, the EDB aims to create a more dynamic and competitive export sector. The success of programmes like this signals a shift towards more data-driven, inclusive, and sustainable approaches to Sri Lanka export development, positioning women entrepreneurs at the forefront of the country’s trade expansion efforts.