The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) successfully organised a high-impact business delegation to the Galle Town Hall Complex last week, as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen regional entrepreneurship and expand the country’s export base.
The programme, conducted in collaboration with the Southern Province Department of Agriculture and the Galle Municipal Council, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders — including over 50 GMP-certified exporters, 150 local producers, suppliers, and aspiring entrepreneurs from across the Southern Province. The initiative aimed to build stronger linkages between regional industries and national exporters, promoting inclusive growth and greater participation in international trade.
A total of 20 NCE member companies participated in the delegation, engaging in productive B2B discussions with local producers and suppliers to explore sourcing opportunities, business partnerships, and export collaborations.
NCE President Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa said the visit was part of a broader initiative to connect exporters with grassroots producers and empower them to reach global markets. “By linking certified regional producers with established exporters, we are fostering a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient export ecosystem,” he stated.
Vice President Dilshan Rajapaksa added that the initiative underscores the Chamber’s commitment to developing regional industries through exposure, knowledge sharing, and market access. “Many entrepreneurs in the South maintain high product standards but lack direct export linkages,” he said.
Secretary General and CEO Shiham Marikar noted that the Chamber is encouraged by the growing enthusiasm of small and medium enterprises seeking to join the export value chain. “We will continue to extend such initiatives across all provinces to ensure every capable business benefits from the export economy,” he affirmed.
The delegation also visited the Ruhunu Rasa Sariya Exhibition, which showcased the creativity and export potential of Southern producers.
