“26th Presidential Export Awards: Honoring Sri Lanka’s Top Exporters”
The 26th Presidential Export Awards Ceremony, organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), is scheduled to take place on Friday, February 7, 2025, at the iconic Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH). This highly anticipated event will be held under the distinguished patronage of His Excellency Anura Kumara Dissanayake, President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, and will recognize the outstanding contributions of Sri Lanka’s exporters to the nation’s economic development.
The Presidential Export Award is the highest honor awarded by the President to exporters who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to promoting Sri Lanka’s export sector and enhancing its global economic footprint. This prestigious awards ceremony is dedicated to honoring exporters who have played a pivotal role in driving the country’s economic growth and export excellence, reflecting their tireless efforts in achieving global competitiveness.
Since its establishment in 1981, the Presidential Export Awards have been a hallmark of excellence, recognizing the leaders of Sri Lanka’s export industry. This year’s 26th edition promises to be a grand celebration of Sri Lanka’s export champions, with an expected audience of approximately 1,500 invitees, including Cabinet Ministers, diplomatic representatives, government officials, award-winning exporters, and industry leaders.
The 2023/24 financial year’s awards will honor the nation’s top exporters, showcasing their remarkable achievements. The awards will be presented in two major categories: 14 Overall Awards and 51 Sector-Specific Awards, covering a wide range of industries. In addition, merit awards will be granted to sectors that have made significant contributions to national economic objectives, based on performance and innovation. The evaluation process for sector-specific awards goes beyond just export revenue. It also takes into account factors such as market diversification, export growth, value addition, sustainability, job creation, corporate social responsibility, and export proceeds repatriation, ensuring a holistic view of each exporter’s impact on the national economy.
The EDB received a substantial number of applications from Sri Lanka’s vibrant export community, demonstrating the eagerness and dedication of exporters to be part of this prestigious recognition. A thorough evaluation process was carried out, with initial screenings conducted by a dedicated screening committee. The final awardees were selected by an esteemed panel of judges, chaired by a retired Supreme Court Judge. Additionally, the EDB is excited to announce Ernst & Young (EY) as the official knowledge partner for the 26th Presidential Export Awards Ceremony, adding an extra layer of credibility and expertise to the event.
Aligned with the government’s forward-thinking policy framework, strategies have been implemented to significantly expand Sri Lanka’s exports. These include market and product diversification, fostering innovation, enhancing value addition, promoting local brands in international markets, ensuring sustainable export practices, and supporting regional value chain development. Exporters’ efforts in these areas are instrumental in helping Sri Lanka achieve its long-term export goals and positioning the country as a competitive player on the global stage.
The winners of the Presidential Export Awards will receive a prestigious trophy/plaque and a certificate. They will also have the unique opportunity to use the Presidential Export Award logo as a powerful marketing tool for the next three years, enhancing their brand credibility and global presence.
The 26th Presidential Export Awards Ceremony is organized by the EDB, under the expert leadership of Mr. Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman/CEO of the EDB. The event is guided by Hon. Sunil Handunneththi, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, and Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, with the dedicated support of Mrs. Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development.
This prestigious event serves as a celebration of Sri Lanka’s export industry and highlights the vital role exporters play in the nation’s economic prosperity. As Sri Lanka continues to evolve as a global trade leader, the Presidential Export Awards stands as a testament to the hard work and dedication of Sri Lanka’s top exporters and their contribution to the country’s economic growth.
