The first two programmes of this series were held in Kandy & Kurunagala focusing on export potential entrepreneurs registered with the EDB New Exporter Development Programme facilitating SMEs located in Central and North Western Provinces.

The participants were educated on the importance of maintaining a digital presence in export-oriented businesses, introducing digital tools and adapting digital marketing strategies in order to be updated on the latest best practices of the international market. A panel of EDB officers and industry resource persons conducted the sessions.  Participants were given the opportunity to enhance their digital skills and competencies through practical sessions conducted during the programme.

 The sessions also included presentations from Sampath Bank, Sri Lanka Telecom and Sri Lanka Post to update participants on financial & other services available for further strengthening their knowledge.

During the sessions, the Director-Regional Development Division, EDB, Ms Sepalika Jayawardhana elaborated EDB’s vision towards developing new exporters under EDB New Exporter Development Programme highlighting the country’s need for export diversification & innovation. Further, she stressed the need to improve the digital presence of the exporters in order to enhance visibility and increase competitiveness in the international market.

Mr. Halin Hettigoda, Assistant General Manager - International Banking, Sampath Bank PLC expressed their continuous commitment towards developing the export community as the Bank has identified the important role of export SMEs has to play in uplifting the country’s economy.  He also stated that Sampath Bank supports strengthening export potential SMEs in Sri Lanka with a long-term vision of making a sustainable export community in Sri Lanka.

EDB wishes to expand this series of awareness programmes to Northern, Southern and Eastern Provinces as a substantial number of SMEs in these regions are already being developed by the EDB targeting the international market under the New Exporter Development Programme.