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Ports, logistics key to achieving $36 bn export target by 2030

Sri Lanka’s ports and logistics sector will play a key role in achieving the country’s ambitious export target of US$36 billion by 2030 under the National Export Development Plan (NEDP) 2026–2030.

This was highlighted at a high-level discussion on NEDP implementation held at the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation on September 15, focusing on measures to strengthen the contribution of the ports and logistics sector to export growth.

The meeting, chaired by Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka, was attended by Ministry Secretary W.W.S. Mangala and senior officials. Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, Director General Erandika Dissanayake, Additional Director General (Development) Kumudinie Mudalige and other EDB officials also participated.

The NEDP, formulated by the EDB with guidance from the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and technical assistance from the Asian Development Bank, provides the national framework for expanding Sri Lanka’s export capacity and strengthening its position as a competitive logistics and knowledge-intensive hub.

Discussions focused on improving port and logistics infrastructure and services, trade facilitation, connectivity and the efficiency of export cargo movement.

The meeting also stressed the need for stronger inter-agency coordination and timely implementation of NEDP actions, with the Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation and its institutions identified as key implementing agencies. The EDB is also engaging other key ministries to strengthen cross-sectoral coordination and ensure effective implementation of the NEDP.