‘Lanka handlooms special’-Int’l Design Expert

Asian Tribune - 01/07/2014

Jennifer Shellard (Visiting British design expert-left), Bandula Egodage (Chairman/CEO-EDB, at centre) and Sujatha Weerakoone (DG-EDB-right) at “Design Development for Sri Lanka’s Handlooms” session by EDB on 30 June in Colombo.

Just as the US demand for Lankan handlooms surged, an international design expert called on 30 June the country to further strengthen its design and promotion capacities-and Sri Lanka’s handloom designs continue to have a special identity.

“Sri Lanka has been known for its handloom textiles. Sri Lanka, rather than moving into fast fashion handloom cycles, can elevate its special handlooms brand by building competence and international promotion efforts” said Jennifer Shellard (Visiting Lecturer, Woven Textile Department of London’s University of Creative Arts) on 30 June in Colombo.

UK expert to inaugurate handloom design program

Lanka Business Today - 30/06/2014

A programme on ‘Design Development for Sri Lanka’s Handlooms’ will take place at the Export Development Board auditorium today, June 30 at 9.30am.

It will be inaugurated by International Design Expert Ms Jennifer Shellard of the United Kingdom.

Sri Lanka's handloom textile industry is centuries old, the 6th century BC according to Mahavansa, when Prince Vijaya from India landed at Manthota (Mannar) in Sri Lanka. History records that when he found Kuveni, whom he eventually married, she was spinning yarn. And that tradition continues to the present era as weaving handloom textiles.

EDB starts work on latest global market Fairtrade call

Daily FT - 25/06/2014

• Enlists former global FT head Myers for initiative
• Pilots Fairtrade certification support in Sri Lanka for exporters
• First sector: Crafts & Lifestyle exports
• Midaya Ceramic, Kandygs, among shortlisted
• Crafts & Lifestyle exports up by 25%

Paul Myers, the visiting USAID/VEGA Fairtrade Expert visits a craft-maker in Piliyandala.

As Fairtrade becomes the latest sales driver in international markets, Sri Lanka has stepped up its efforts to meet the new standard. A promising Lankan export niche has become the successful testing ground for Sri Lanka’s entry into global Fairtrade certification regime – and the EDB, which leads the initiative, has received encouraging feedback from many – including a global consultant on Fairtrade.
“I am impressed of Sri Lanka’s craft makers and exporters. Their products are of high quality,” said a satisfied Paul Myers, the visiting USAID/VEGA Fairtrade Expert on 19 June at EDB, Colombo.

Awareness seminar/workshop on cut foliage and flowers for the export market for export oriented out growers in NW province

The North Western Provincial office of the SLEDB, successfully conducted the awareness seminar/workshop on Cut foliage & flowers for the export Market on 20th June 2014 in the auditorium of District Secretariat-Kurunegala with the participation of 102 Cut foliage & Flowers out growers in North Western Province. The programme was organized by NWP-EDB with the assistance of Department of Agriculture.

The main objective of conducting this seminar was to increase the capacity of export oriented cut foliage out growers in the Province by way of enhancing Technical/Market awareness and facilitating linkages between out growers and exporters in order to develop consolidated supply base of quality Cut foliage & flowers for exports from Regions.

Sri Lanka shines at 2nd China-South Asia Expo in Kunming

Daily FT - 24/06/2014

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) in collaboration with the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing organised the Sri Lanka Pavilion at the 2nd China-South Asia Expo in Kunming, China from 6 to 10 June with the participation of 135 Sri Lankan companies, displaying and promoting Sri Lankan product sectors such as gems and jewellery, tea, batik, handicraft, coir products, Ayurvedic products and giftware.
Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen ceremonially opened the Sri Lanka Pavilion at the expo and delivered the keynote address at the 9th China-South Asia Business Forum held on the sidelines of the 2nd China-South Asia Expo.

Dutch push for Lanka’s hi-tech exports

Asian Tribune - 23/06/2014

From far right: M.K.S.K Maldeniya (EDB’s ICT Sector Director), Joost vander Kooij and Onno Roukens (the CBI professional consultants from Netherlands) nod in agreement with Bandula Egodage (Chairman/CEO of EDB) as he addresses interactive session “Website Enhancement and Online Marketing ITO/BPO” on 19 June organised by the EDB for Sri Lankan software manufacturing and export firms.

Sri Lanka is leveraging ICT exports to achieve its $20 B goal of 2020. And a new support initiative by the Netherlands is set to elevate Lankan software exporters to latest tech developments. “The government is highly focused on ICT sector as a forex earner and export driver. We cannot ignore ICT if we are to achieve any progress” said Bandula Egodage (Chairman/CEO of EDB) on 19 June in Colombo.

Chairman Egodage was addressing the two day-hands on interactive session “Website Enhancement and Online Marketing ITO/BPO” organised by the EDB for Sri Lankan software manufacturing and export firms. The first ever such hands-on initiative moved by EDB was facilitated by Netherlands’ CBI (Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries)-an agency of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. Joost vander Kooij and Onno Roukens, the two CBI professional consultants who specially arrived from the Netherlands to train the companies in the session helped the more than 25 Lankan participants of the session on a one-to-one basis. Among the ICT giants taking part were John Keells Computer Services, hSenid Business Solutions, 99X Technologies, Cyber Concepts, SewEasy, E-Nowave, InfoMate, Calcey Technologies, Pyxle, Allion Technologies, Dinota Information Technologies, Sanje, i-Context Content Convergence, Four Corners, Akio Information Technologies, Data Management Systems, Lanka Communication Services, E Marketing Eye, and Perfect Business Solution Services.

Export earnings increase in April,rupee stable

Daily News - 23/06/2014

Sri Lanka’s external sector strengthened further in April 2014, with continued foreign currency inflows in the form of earnings from exports, tourism, workers’ remittances, as well as inflows to the financial account, the Central Bank said on Friday.

The trade deficit continued to narrow during the first four months of 2014 as a result of healthy growth in exports. The contraction of the trade deficit and higher inflows to services and income accounts contributed to reducing the current account deficit. These developments, together with inflows to the financial account have resulted in a higher surplus in the BOP by end April 2014, compared to the corresponding period of 2013,the Bank said.

Three-day ‘Israel-Sri Lanka Business Forum’ on 25 June

Daily Finance Times - 23/06/2014

The Sri Lanka Embassy in Israel in collaboration with the Export Development Board in Sri Lanka, Ministry of External Affairs in Sri Lanka, LR Group in Israel and the Israel-Asia Chamber of Commerce in Israel, has organised a ‘Business Forum’ for the Sri Lankan and Israeli business communities from 25 to 27 June, in order to strengthen bilateral, commercial, trade, cultural and other relations between the two friendly nations.

Main topics to be dealt with will include tourism, technology, water, energy, medical, apparel, employment, agriculture, green house cultivation, diary, fish, flora and fauna, diamonds, gems, jewellery, rubber, hospital, pharmaceuticals, highways, construction and any other topics by the prospective delegates based on their requirements.

Sri Lanka's Fish Export up by 20% in 2014 1Q

news.lk - 19/06/2014

Fish and fishery product sector plays an important role in Sri Lanka’s Social and economic life.  The Sector contributes about 2.7% to country’s GDP.  End of the civil unrest detained three decades in the country, fisheries sector has a significant scope to increase the level of contribution through exploiting high seas for tuna fishing & value addition.

Sri Lanka’s main fishery export products include tuna, fresh chilled and frozen form, shrimps & prawns, crabs and lobsters.  Other than the above shark fins, fish maws, beche-de-mer, cuttle fish & squid, sprats are also exports mostly to the Asian markets.  United Kingdom is the main market for Sri Lankan tuna followed by France, Italy, Netherlands, Germany etc.

SL apparel industry in a global context and future fortunes

Daily Mirror - 17/06/2014
By Dr. Arosha Fernando

The Sri Lankan apparel trade today is well renowned around the world to be the most cutting-edge and innovative when it comes to apparel manufacturing.

With a very long history of manufacturing in the island and throughout the challenges which this industry has faced to this day, the garment manufacturing  stands much stronger than it has been ever before where the exports from this industry within a year increased by 11 percent (which was the biggest increase annually in 2013 compared with initial years) and by end November 2013 the exports earnings from this industry in Sri Lanka stood at US $2.876 billion, which is a substantial amount of foreign exchange bought into the country by a single industry.

Sri Lankas' Participation at SIAL - 2014

Sri  Lanka  Export  Development  Board  in  collaboration  with  the  Consulate  General  Office  in Toronto, Canada organized the Sri Lanka’s participation at SIAL Canada 2014. . Five Sri Lankan food &  Beverages exporting companies participated in the programme.

• Ceylon Biscuits Ltd.
• Consolidated   Business   Systems (Pvt.) Ltd. 
• HJS Condiments Ltd. 
• Wichy  Plantation  Company  (Pvt) Ltd  
• Tea Talk (Pvt) Ltd.
• Food & Nature (Pvt.) Ltd. (observer) 

Rishad leading strong biz delegation to Kunming kick-off

Asian Tribune - 07/06/2014

Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka addresses the seventh China - South Asia Business Forum (CSABF) held at the Convention Centre of Kunming City in Yunnan Province, China, in 2012 June.

As bilateral trade with China crossed $ 3 Bn, one of the biggest ever trade and business delegations from Sri Lanka is flying to grace the 22nd Kunming international Fair in China which kicks off tomorrow June 06.

“Sri Lanka has been taking part in this event when it was held for the first time in Beijing in 2007. With one of the biggest EDB supported delegations, we are hopeful of good results this year as well” said an upbeat Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce) on the eve of 04 June.

International Education Fair 2014 Malé A Promotion of Sri Lankan Education in Maldives

Sunday Times - 07/06/2014

“International Education Fair 2014”; an annual education promotion programme will be held on 13th& 14th June at the Art Gallery - Malé. This s being organized for the fourth consecutive time and this time it is being organized as a national event by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commission in Maldives and Millennium Concepts –Maldives. AOD – The International Design Campus – Sri Lanka joins hands with them as the Gold Sponsor.
This promotional programme mainly includes the “Study in Sri Lanka” concept and these two day exhibition will be followed by few Networking meetings with the Ministry of Education Malé.


The Maldivian Government encourages deserving Maldivian students to pursue higher studies overseas by granting education funding. There is also a constant growing demand among the youth to study overseas. There were 1,000 Scholarships which have been announced by the President in March 2014.   Promoting study opportunities, raising awareness of the company profile or generating sales leads can be achieved by participating in this event.

EDB PAVILION AT FACETS SRI LANKA 2014

edirectory.lk 

An ideal opportunity for SMEs
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) will be organizing a special pavilion at FACETS SRI LANKA – International Gem & Jewellery Show 2014 to be held at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Center from 04th to 07th September 2014.

Objective
The objective of organizing this special pavilion is to give an opportunity for the SME Gem & Jewellery manufacturers to showcase their products and make use of the event as a platform for them to enter into the international market.

Rise in coconut product exports

Daily News - 03/06/2014

Sri Lanka’s coconut related exports increased by 86 percent during the first quarter of this year compared to 2011, Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development Ministry sources said yesterday.

The Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development Ministry was established in 2011 as a new Cabinet ministry. According to ministry statistics, during the first quarter of this year, Sri Lanka earned over Rs. 5,090 million from coconut related products, an 88 percent increase from the same period in 2011.

In the first quarter of 2011 it was Rs. 2,115 million. It increased annually and the total coconut related products export revenue in 2013 stood at Rs. 44,952 million. Sri Lanka exports 35 coconut related products to 135 countries.

Pakistan likely to expand FTA trade with Sri Lanka

Daily News - 02/06/2014

Pakistan, Sri Lanka’s second largest trade partner in the region, has indicated interest in expanding its free trade agreement (FTA) trade with the island, creating growth in bilateral trade, which already exceeds the US $ 460 million mark, according to Sri Lanka’s trade ministry.

In a statement the ministry said that Pakistan’s High Commissioner Qasim Qureshi had indicated that his country looks forward to expand FTA trade by reducing sensitive items, thereby creating more opportunities for Lankan exporters.

Lanka rides $60Bn global FOSS wave to help exporters, aiming cost advantage

Asian Tribune - 31/05/2014

Sujatha Weerakoone (DG-EDB) addresses the “Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) solutions for Lankan Exporters” session held on 29 May in Colombo as Dr A Ruwan Weerasinghe (Senior Lecturer-University of Colombo School of Computing-seated second from right) and Dr Yousuf Maraikkar (ED-EDB, seated far right) look on.

Sri Lanka has a favourable ‘per container cost to export’ rate of only $ 595. After reporting $1.07 Bn record exports in March, the country is now mulling a new high tech initiative to help exporters to lower this rate for added competitive advantage-while eager Lankan exporters are already testing to avail themselves to a portion of $60Bn global savings from Free and Open Source Software (FOSS).

‘Even our SMEs suffered in global recession’-Rishad

news.lk - 26/05/2014

SMEs claim 70% of Sri Lankan enterprises and 23% of national employment. Our banking sector still looks the other way when it comes to our SMEs as they are worried about recovering credit from SMEs. This is despite our Central Bank’s efforts to keep lending rates at low levels. I urge our banking sector to link with Sri Lanka’s SMEs much closer and become a direct stakeholder in our national development. Do not avoid this risk. It is in such risks that great rewards and profits are found said Minister Bathiudeen and added: “In this background, I highly commend, the recent announcement by International Finance Corporation (IFC) office in Colombo to assist our SMEs with their valuable funding of $ 125 million.

Minister Bathiudeen was addressing the inauguration event of SMIDEX  held recently by the Industrial Development Board under Ministry of Traditional Industries & Small Enterprises at BMICH, Colombo. According to the IDB, SMIDEX has been introduced by the IDB to mark its 45th year anniversary. SMIDEX is yet another national event showcasing the SMEs with special attention to technology, machinery, raw materials, business development and other services.

Lankan delegation to explore new opportunities in post-revolution Tunisia at TIF 2014

The Island - 24/05/2014

Hon. Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce will attend the Tunisia Investment Forum (TIF) 2014 along with a Sri Lankan business delegation on June 12 and 13 at El Mouradi Gammarth Hotel, Tunis. The forum takes place just six months after Tunisia’s adoption of a new constitution.
Under the theme, ‘New Tunisia: New Democracy, New Opportunities,’ TIF 2014 will showcase the impact of democratic progress on the country’s economic and social environment. The forum is expected to present a more transparent and conducive investment destination to the international business community, highlighting investment prospects and growth generating projects, a news release issued in connection with the forum said.

First Lanka-Belarus JEC, biz delegations in July amidst renewed trade

Asian Tribune - 23/05/2014

Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry & Commerce-centre) greets Ambassador Vitaly Prima (the New Delhi based Ambassador of Belarus to Sri Lanka-second from left) on 22 May in Colombo.

As Sri Lanka’s trade with the virgin Eurasian market Belarus clocked $ 14 Mn, the gateway to the 170 Mn strong custom union wants to renew trade and business immediately -as early as in July.

“With your assistance, we want to prepare fruitful projects with Sri Lanka. We propose a Joint Economic Commission with Sri Lanka as early as July 2014 to be held in Colombo, if possible. We also can formulate the first Belarus Business delegation to Colombo during this event as per your interest” said a keen Vitaly Prima (the New Delhi based Ambassador of Belarus to Sri Lanka) on 22 May in Colombo.

Algeria interested to buy Sri Lankan tea, fruits and vegetable juices

Ceylon Today - 14/05/2014

Algeria is inviting Sri Lankan businesses to export tea, fruit and vegetable juices and many other products to that country, the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce announced.

This invitation was made by Echarif Mohammed-Hacene, Ambassador for Algeria in Sri Lanka and India, when he visited the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, accompanied by Consul General for Algeria in Sri Lanka, Mukthar Marikkar.

He held a meeting with CEO/Secretary General of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Harin Malwatte, while Lilakshi De Mel, Senior Assistant Secretary General of the Chamber, was also present.
During the meeting, the ambassador said, Sri Lanka can exports items such as, tea, fruits and vegetable juices, textiles, garments specially semi-finished traditional garments for women and spices.
Ambassador Echarif says, the Algerian consumers prefer to drink blended tea with mint and sugar and also would like to purchase tea in consumer bags.

Japanese smiling on Lanka Ayurveda

Asian Tribune - 19/05/2014

Basil Rajapaksa (Economic Development Minister of Sri Lanka-second from right) and Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce-fourth from left) attempt tasting fruit based confections from the Vietnamese exhibitor Alpha International Food JSC at the inaugural event of AROGYA 2014 and INTRAD 2014 at BMICH, Colombo on 16 May.

Sri Lanka’s Ayurveda healthcare is garnering the attention of high end tourist market. “Lately, the Japanese travel sector has shown stronger interest in Sri Lanka’s Ayurveda tourism. Last week a Japanese Member of Parliament touring Sri Lanka also has expressed of Japan’s interest in Sri Lanka’s Ayurvedic care for Japanese medical tourists” revealed an upbeat Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce) on 16 May.

SL to place its export products on top e-commerce portal

The Island - 11/05/2014

Sujatha Weerakoone (DG-EDB-far left) addresses the Rakuten platform intro event at EDB on 02 May as Japan's Kanagawa based Takashi Yoshino (Principal, Y and F Associates LLC-seated next, second from left) and Lankan exporters (seated next) look on.

As Lanka's exports to Japan topped $ 223 Mn mark, Sri Lanka is mulling a strategic, fast-track entry to one of the most coveted online markets in the world-Japan. "Japan is the second biggest retail market in the world. Japanese are also heavy internet users with a large e-commerce base. Using a top Japanese online giant like Rakuten could give Lankan exporters a wide-coverage and a low cost entry to this promising market" said Sujatha Weerakoone (DG-EDB) on 02 May at EDB premises.

DG Weerakoone was addressing the EDB organized event "Japan's Rakuten Platform for Sri Lankan Products" held for Lankan exporters on 02 May at EDB. The session consisted of a special in-depth presentation by Japan's Kanagawa based Takashi Yoshino (Principal, Y and F Associates LLC) who, in a his presentation, shoed in-depth of the pros and cons, and how to create an online strategy for Lankan exporters to Japan. Eager representatives from more than 40 Lankan export firms were present at the session.

Apparel exports up by 20% to $ 1,257 m

Daily News - 12/05/2014

Bandula Egodage, Chairman & CEO of EDB having discussion with Rishad Bathiudeen Minister of Industry and Commerce about the latest export trends at the Ministry of Industry and Commerce. 

Sri Lanka's first quarter exports registered a positive growth of 16%, while monthly exports for March jumped by as much as 27%.

"This is encouraging for our efforts towards $ 20 bn export goal by 2020 as envisioned by President Mahinda Rajapaksa," said Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce on May 9 in Colombo.

Accordingly, this year's first quarter provisional exports totalled $ 2.80 bn while the comparative 2013 first quarter total exports stood at $ 2.36 bn, showing a 15.7% Q-on-Q growth.

Sri Lanka at annual European Seafood exposition in Belgium

news.lk - 11/05/2014

Sri Lanka Export Development Board in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Embassy in Belgium organized the Sri Lanka’s participation at  22nd Annual European Seafood Exposition held in Belgium from May 6-8.  Over 1,690 exhibiting companies  attracted more than 25,800 buyers and suppliers for the event.

This year’s exposition marks the 22nd edition of Seafood Expo Global, and the 16th edition of Seafood Processing Global.  The exposition is considered a unique opportunity for the global seafood industry to come together and make valuable business connections.

Lanka closely monitoring EU's trade policy - Rishad

Asian Tribune - 08/05/2014

David Daly (Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Sri Lanka and Maldives-left) discusses with Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka) at the second EU-Sri Lanka Trade Dialogue session on 07 May in Colombo.

As trade between Sri Lanka and its top global partner EU edged to $ 5 Bn mark, Sri Lanka for the first time revealed its levels of attention to the EU trade dynamics on 07 May. And Europe has commended Sri Lanka's exports value addition efforts as "remarkable."

“Sri Lanka closely monitors the developments in the EU trade policy as it could have significant impact on Sri Lanka’s exports, both directly and indirectly. For example, the recent cross cumulation facility provided for SAARC and ASEAN Regional Groups, would help Sri Lanka to source inputs of ASEAN countries, and be eligible for GSP concessions” said Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka on 07 May.

Sri Lanka: Trade deficit narrows, export earnings rise

The Times of Sri Lanka - 05/05/2014

The external sector further strengthened in February 2014 with the trade deficit continuing to narrow as a result of an increase in earnings from exports and a decline in expenditure on imports.

Inflows on account of workers' remittances and earnings from tourism recorded an increase during the month contributing to the substantial reduction in the current account deficit. These developments together with continued inflows to the financial account resulted in a surplus in the Balance of Payments (BOP) upto February 2014, the Central Bank said yesterday.

Sri Lanka's textile & garment exports grow 6.6% in Feb'14

Fibre2Fashion - 06/05/2014

Sri Lanka’s earnings from exports of textiles and garments grew by 6.6 percent to US$ 396.2 million in February 2014, compared to earnings of $371.6 million recorded in same month last year, according to a press release on ‘External Sector Performance – February 2014’ issued by the Economics Research Department of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka.

The statement reflected two key trends in Sri Lanka’s textile and garment trade—an increase in apparel exports to non-traditional markets and a higher local value addition in the clothing industry.

Africa’s Switzerland hunting for Sri Lanka trade for the first time

Asian Tribune - 06/05/2014

Bothata Tsikoane, the New Delhi based High Commissioner of Lesotho (left) discusses with Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka-right) on 25 April in Colombo.

The only country in the world to be entirely surrounded by another country and also called as Africa’s Switzerland, signaled on 25 April for the first time that it is now ready to initiate multi-faceted bilateral ties with Sri Lanka. “We can begin our bilateral trade with Ceylon Tea exports to Lesotho. Then we can proceed to agriculture cooperation” said an upbeat Bothata Tsikoane, the New Delhi based High Commissioner of Lesotho for Sri Lanka on 25 April in Colombo.

Bothata Tsikoane was addressing Rishad Bathiudeen (Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka) on 25 April at EDB in Colombo during his first courtesy call made on Minister Bathiudeen.

Lesotho to begin economic ties with tea, rice imports

Lanka Business Today - 05/05/2014

The only country in the world to be surrounded by another country and also described as Africa’s Switzerland, is now to initiate multi-faceted bilateral ties with Sri Lanka.

“We can begin our bilateral trade with Ceylon Tea exports to Lesotho. Then we can proceed to agriculture cooperation” said an upbeat Bothata Tsikoane, the New Delhi based High Commissioner of Lesotho for Sri Lanka.

The Lesotho envoy made these observations while meeting Rishad Bathiudeen, Minister of Industry and Commerce of Sri Lanka on 25 April at the Export Development Board offices in Colombo during his first courtesy call made on Minister Bathiudeen.

Sri Lanka exports up 5.4-pct in February, imports fall

Lanka Business Online - 05/05/2014

Sri Lanka's exports rose 5.4 percent in February 2014 from a year earlier, with apparel exports up 6.6 percent, while imports fell amid weak credit growth, official data showed.

In the first two months of the year exports were up 13.9 percent to 1,739 million US dollars, the Central Bank said.
Agricultural exports rose 15.3 percent to 201.2 million US dollars with tea up 11.7 percent to 115.6 million US dollars.

Fadna Cinnamon Tea gets certification of Pure Ceylon Cinnamon

Daily Finance Times - 05/05/2014

The Fadna Cinnamon Tea, produced and distributed by Food and Nature Company was recently awarded the Pure Ceylon Cinnamon Quality certificate by Sri Lanka Export Development Board. This certification which is awarded only for highest quality export products is granted on the recommendation of a committee of experts appoined by the SLEDB. Here Minister of Industries and Commerce Rishard Bathiudeen awards the certificate to the Marketing Manager of the Food and Nature Company, Udara Mangala at a ceremony at the SLEDB

Certificate Course in Packaging Technology - 2014

Sri Lanka, Bahrain launch business forum

Colombo Page - 30/04/2014
Photos by Sudath Silva

Sri Lanka and Bahrain Tuesday inaugurated the Bahrain-Sri Lanka Business Forum at the headquarters of the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) in Manama.

A large gathering of prominent business leaders from both Sri Lanka and Bahrain participated in the Forum that consisted of business-to-business meetings and a visit to the Bahrain International Investment Park.

Legitimacy 'ensuring Bahrain's success'

Gulf Daily News - 30/04/2014

Legitimacy is the single all-encompassing characteristic that makes Bahrain business-friendly, Industry and Commerce Minister Dr Hassan Fakhro said yesterday.

Speaking at the opening of the Bahrain-Sri Lanka Business Forum at Beit Al Tijjar, Dr Fakhro said legitimacy meant that Bahrain embraced the rule of law, and authorities strived to be the best at what they do, whether it be in terms of laws and regulations, domestic and international policies, or simply in the way that individuals were respected irrespective of ethnicity and the principles of a truly secular state were upheld.

"It is this legitimacy that has underpinned Bahrain's rise as an important financial centre, and helped in avoiding the contagion felt across the globe during the financial crisis," he said.

Sri Lanka’s Basilur Tea wins top North American food award

Daily FT - 28/04/2014

• Third SIAL Canada triumph for Basilur Tea
• Latest award is for herbal infusion to Ceylon Tea
• 2013 tea exports at $ 1.5 b

In the wake of record exports in 2013, Pure Ceylon Tea has reported yet another achievement, with Basilur Tea Canada, allied to its Lankan firm Basilur Tea, clinching the main award at North America’s top food and beverages trade show this year.

“Basilur’s herbal tea product ‘Fruit Infusions’ received the highest award – the 2014 Top-10 Product Award – at the SIAL Canada expo. This is considered by many food industry specialists as a very rare achievement since Basilur has reached the Top-10 twice within three years,” said Basilur Tea Canada Director Rohan Perera on Thursday.

PUM Netherlands Senior Experts

The Sunday Leader - 27/04/2014

• The dutch contribution to social market economy in Sri Lanka

The PUM Netherlands Senior Experts (formerly known as NMCP) has completed over 400 projects assisting industries and service organizations in Sri Lanka.  PUM commenced its activities in Sri Lanka in 1990. We are proud to be serving the local industry for over 24 years providing them with much needed new technology.

Design development programme for Handloom Industry

Daily News - 21/04/2014
By K.A. Aleem

The Sri Lanka Export Development Board is making arrangements to organize a Design Development Programme for the Handloom Industry of Sri Lanka, obtaining the service of an International Design Expert

The objective is to enhance the design capabilities of a selected group of handloom manufactures and for exporters to upgrade their design capabilities and develop their products targeting the International Market. The programme is scheduled to be held during June 30 to July 17, 2014 at the SLEDB Auditorium.

Sri Lanka to double income from ornamental fish exports by 2016

Colombo Page - 10/04/2014

Sri Lanka has earned over Rs 1.2 billion last year from exporting ornamental fish and measures will be taken to double this income by 2016, the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry says.

Sri Lanka's ornamental fish production had produced over 46,000 metric tons in 2009 and this amount has increased to nearly 70,000 metric tons last year, placing Sri Lanka in the third place in exporting ornamental fishes, according to the Ministry.

Exporters praise cinnamon licensing, see good times ahead

EDB launches Lanka’s first official Ceylon Cinnamon exporters’ batch
Daily FT - 09/04/2014
Pix by Lasantha Kumara

Just a day after unveiling cinnamon logo licenses, Sri Lanka’s exporters heaped praise on the Government and the Export Development Board for the latest national initiative towards their sector on 8 April. “We are proud to have won this Pure Ceylon Cinnamon logo. To the global markets, this symbol shows where true cinnamon originates from. The EDB has really come out with it!” said an upbeat Priyadarshani Halpe, General Manager, G.P. de Silva & Sons International Ltd.

Halpe, one among many exporters who expressed similar sentiments, was speaking about the ‘Inaugural issuance of Pure Ceylon Cinnamon brand licenses to Lankan exporters’ event held at EDB Auditorium, Colombo on 7 April.

With first official Ceylon Cinnamon batch active, Lanka positions for $ 1b spice exports

Daily Finance Times - 08/04/2014

As Sri Lanka’s first batch of exporters successfully captured their licences to officially flavour the world with Sri Lanka’s second global brand yesterday, the country recommitted to $ 1 billion in spice and cinnamon exports by 2020.

“Today, nine Sri Lankan cinnamon export firms are empowered by this initiative. Together, these nine firms claim more than 25% of our annual cinnamon export values. We are aiming at $ 1 billion in spice and cinnamon exports by 2020,” said Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen yesterday, addressing the ‘Inaugural issuance of Pure Ceylon Cinnamon brand licenses to Lankan exporters event’ at the EDB Auditorium.
In yet another important industry support initiative in the tradition of Export Development Board for Lankan exporters, for the first time, nine Sri Lankan cinnamon export firms qualifying to export cinnamon using ‘Pure Ceylon Cinnamon brand license’ were awarded license certificates by Bathiudeen at the event.
The qualifying exporters in the first batch were A Baur & Co Ltd., Casa Canela Ltd., Dtriangle Ltd, Food & Nature Ltd., G.P. De Silva & Sons International Ltd., Intercom Ltd., International Commodity Traders Ltd., Mohksha Ltd. and Rathna Producers Cinnamon Exports Ltd.

Bilateral trade with Germany hinges on three basics – quality, consistency and volumes

The Island - 05/04/2014
By Steve A. Morrell

From left: Bandula Dissanayake, Secretary, NCCSL, Tilak Godamune, Senior Deputy President, NCCSL, Dr. Jurgen Morhard, Sujeewa Samaraweera, Deputy President NCCSL, Bandula Egodage, Chairman, Export Development Board and Gerhard Truemper, First Secretary, Embassy of Germany. (Pic by Saman Ranaweera)

German Ambassador Dr. Jurgen Morhard said that bilateral trade with Germany could be expanded. Although trade with Sri Lanka could be pursued to reach higher levels, it is imperative that exports should be of high quality.

Germany, he said was constantly looking for quality with their trade partners and goods and services that form bi-lateral trade segments would have to achieve such production levels.

He was addressing last week’s conference convened by the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) to promote bi-lateral trade with Germany.

Chairman and Chief Executive, Export Development Board, Bandula Egodage said Germany was one of Sri Lanka’s main trade partners, but he conceded that the bilateral segment of such trade was currently that Germany was assisting Sri Lanka in training and improving technological support.

EDB initiates first Internet of Things session

Daily News - 04/04/2014

As the consumer end of digital convergence in the country continued to develop, Sri Lanka has officially begun assessing the promise of the "next big thing" in digital frontier-and Sri Lanka's first Advanced Electronics Design Centre is now on the cards. "This is the first ever initiative for Sri Lanka's ICT sector on the emerging "Internet of Things". There is no doubt that this advanced and novel concept will be useful for everyone" said Sujatha Weerakoone Director General-EDB recently. Weerakoone was addressing the first ever IoT session held in Sri Lanka, organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) .

Kithulaka Waruna exhibition and trade fair

Daily FT - 05/04/2014
– Pix by Kithsiri de Mel

‘Kithulaka Waruna’ an exhibition and trade fair got off the ground yesterday at Sudharshi Hall Colombo 7. The exhibition showcases a range of Kithul products from the 18 districts where Kithul is cultivated. The fair is organised by the Ministry of Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development, IDB, ITI, NERD, SMS, Forest Department, Export Agriculture Board and PDB. The exhibition will go on till 6 April

Pure Ceylon cinnamon logo awards on Monday

Daily News - 04/014/2014

The issuing license for eligible exporters to use the Pure Ceylon cinnamon logo on cinnamon packs will be held at Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) auditorium next Monday. The SLEDB recently requested pure Ceylon cinnamon manufacturing companies.

Apex body for Sri Lankan food processing sector mooted

Daily Finance Times - 03/04/2014

A  Sri Lankan delegation comprising officials from the Government, academia and private sector gained valuable insights in food processing, standards, food safety, product diversification and export potentials during the recently-concluded study visit to Thailand.

The delegation discussed extensively on the lesions that could be learned and possible way forward for the Sri Lankan food processing industry, the role of different stakeholders of the SME in food and beverage sector of Thailand and studied the current status and success factors of Thailand’s fruit and vegetables industry and export market.

Pure Ceylon cinnamon logo awards on Monday

Daily News - 03/04/2014
By Indunil Hewage 

The issuing of license for eligible exporters to use the Pure Ceylon cinnamon logo on cinnamon packs will be held at Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) auditorium on 07th Monday.

The SLEDB recently requested pure Ceylon cinnamon manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka that wish to use pure Ceylon Cinnamon Lion Logo on cinnamon packs to forward completed applications in respect of each product design to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board.

Applications were called from companies eager to use Pure Ceylon Cinnamon Lion Logo on the cinnamon packs. The companies who are eager to use the pure Ceylon cinnamon lion logo on cinnamon packs will have to obtain prior approval from the Export Development Board.

AWARENESS SEMINAR/WORKSHOP ON FRUITS & VEGETABLES FOR THE EXPORT MARKET-NCP

The North Western Provincial office of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, successfully conducted the awareness seminar/workshop on fruits & vegetables for the export market on 24th March 2014 in Anuradhapura with the participation of 115 fruits & vegetable farmers in North Central Province. The programme was organized by NWP-EDB with the assistance of Department of Agriculture, National Plant Quarantine Service and Lanka Fruits & Vegetable Producers, Processors & Exporters Association.

The main objective of conducting this seminar was to increase the capacity of Fruits & Vegetable farmers in the North Central Province by way of enhancing Technical/Market awareness and facilitating linkages between farmers and exporters in order to develop consolidated supply base of quality fruits & vegetables for exports from Regions.

Indian CEO Forum fosters economic ties and showcases investment opportunities in Sri Lanka

Daily Finance Times - 02/04/2014

The Indian CEO Forum (ICF) held its AGM on Friday, 21 March, at the Taj Samudra Hotel, Colombo. Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka Ajith Nivard Cabraal was the Chief Guest while High Commissioner of India Y. K. Sinha was the Guest of Honour.

A large number of invitees including  Ministry of Industry and Commerce Secretary Anura Siriwardena, NDB Chairman Sunil G. Wijesinha, Commercial Bank Chairman Dinesh Weerakody, People’s Leasing CEO D.P. Kumarage, Sri Lanka Export Development Board Chairman Bandula Egodage and CEOs of multinational companies were also present at the event.

Lanka to participate at SAITEX fair in Johannesburg

Daily News - 01/04/2014
By K A Aleem 

Sri Lanka Export Development Board in collaboration with the Sri Lanka High Commission in Pretoria, South Africa is organising Sri Lanka’s participation at the South African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) to be held from June 22 to 24, 2014 at the Gallagher Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa and Afro- Sri Lanka Business Forum to be organised in coincide with SAITEX2014.

SAITEX is the most popular and the region’s largest multi sector international trade fair organized in South Africa for over 20 years. SAITEX serves as a strategic gateway to entire African region.