Export earnings to exceed $ 17 b for first time in 2025: EDB Chief

EXPORT Development Board (EDB) Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe yesterday said Sri Lanka is on track to surpass $ 17 billion in export revenue for the first time in its history in 2025, with earnings from goods and services reaching $ 15.77 billion during the first 11 months of the year, reflecting a 5.8% year-on-year (YoY) growth.

- BY CHARUMINI DE SILVA

Addressing the media at a special briefing organised by the Government Information Department, Wijesinghe said 87% of the country’s annual export target of $ 18.2 billion has already been achieved, underscoring a steady upward trajectory in export performance.

“The latest data shows consistent growth in both merchandise and services exports, despite increasing global competition and uncertainties,” he said.

In November 2025 alone, total exports including merchandise and services, reached over $ 1.36 billion, marking a 5.56% YoY increase.

MERCHANDISE exports during the month grew by 5.59% to exceed $ 1.05 billion, supported by higher earnings from gems and jewellery, coconut and coconut-based products, electrical and electronics, as well as food and beverages.

During the period from January to November 2025, total merchandise exports amounted to $ 12.41 billion, reflecting a robust 6.41% YoY growth.

Services exports continued to emerge as a key driver of overall export expansion. In November 2025, services export earnings were estimated at $ 311.28 million, up 4.27% from a year earlier. Cumulatively, services exports during the first 11 months of the year grew by 3.62% YoY to reach $ 3.35 billion.