Date: 18 September 2025
The Australia Sri Lanka Business Forum (ASLBF) hosted a productive virtual meeting with representatives from Sri Lanka’s Export Development Board (EDB) to explore opportunities for enhancing trade and investment ties between Sri Lanka and Australia. The session was also attended by Ms. Pradeepa Desaram, Consular General at the Sri Lankan Consulate in Melbourne, who shared valuable perspectives on strengthening bilateral collaboration.
The EDB delegation included Harshani Randiligama (Group Director & Board Member), Mangala Wijesinghe, Chathura Kumanayake, Saumya Kannangara (Point of Contact for future engagements), and several other representatives from the EDB. From ASLBF, Mano Amunugama, Damian Fernando, Ananda Kumarasiri, and Sendu Kandavanam participated, along with members of the Australian business community including representatives from Derena, Freelan, Green Asia, and others.
Discussions focused on the current market and economic outlook in Sri Lanka, strengthening bilateral trade relations, potential collaboration opportunities in the export sector, and the various forms of assistance offered by the EDB, such as export development reward schemes, trade promotions, B2B meetings, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. The forum also provided an opportunity to address key challenges faced by the Sri Lankan business community operating in Australia.
Sri Lanka’s economy is showing steady progress, with imports valued at approximately USD 1.6 billion and foreign reserves targeted to reach USD 15 billion within the next five years. The country is aiming for USD 20 billion in annual exports, supported by an 8–10% year-on-year growth rate. Exports to Australia currently total around USD 247 million per year, reflecting a 6% annual increase, while imports from Australia stand at approximately USD 140 million per year. Sri Lanka’s main exports to Australia include textiles, apparel, rubber, and food products, while key imports from Australia consist of lentils, cereals, meat, dairy products, pepper, pharmaceuticals, and electronics.
The meeting reinforced the shared commitment of both parties to deepening economic engagement and creating sustainable, mutually beneficial trade pathways between Australia and Sri Lanka.
