Lanka begins 2026 with robust export growth

Sri Lanka’s export sector commenced 2026 with a strong momentum, recording a robust year-on-year growth of 13.71%, signalling a renewed momentum in external trade performance, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) stated.

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According to statistics released by the Sri Lanka Customs, together with estimated export figures for gems and jewellery, petroleum products, and services, total export earnings reached US$ 1,532.6 million.

The positive performance reflects broad-based growth across key export sectors, improving global demand conditions, and sustained national efforts to enhance export competitiveness at the outset of the year, the EBD noted.

Commenting on this achievement, Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, stated: “Sri Lanka’s export earnings for January 2026 reached US$ 1,532.6 million, reflecting a strong year-on-year growth of 13.71% and a promising start toward achieving our annual export targets. This performance highlights the resilience and growing competitiveness of the country’s export sector, supported by the gradual recovery of key international markets, sustained industrial capacity, and the continued implementation of strategic export development initiatives. We remain confident that, with focused policy support and market diversification efforts, Sri Lanka is well positioned to maintain this positive momentum throughout 2026.”

In January 2026, merchandise exports recorded a year-on-year growth of 10.66 %, reaching US$ 1,165.02 million, according to provisional data released by Sri Lanka Customs, including estimated figures for gems and jewellery and petroleum products.

Meanwhile, services export earnings for January 2026 are estimated to have increased significantly by 24.59%, reaching US$ 367.55 million.

The services sector, comprising ICT/BPM, construction, financial services, and transport and logistics, continues to play a pivotal role in diversifying the country’s export basket while generating high value employment opportunities nationwide, further reinforcing Sri Lanka’s transition toward a more innovation driven and services-oriented economy.