The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in collaboration with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Union (EU), successfully conducted the 7th Provincial ExpoNavigator Programme under the Sri Lanka Export Excellence Initiative (SLEEI) 2026 on 9–10 June 2026 in Batticaloa.

Implemented under the EU’s regional programme “Accelerating Climate Smart and Inclusive Infrastructure in South Asia (ACSIIS)”, the initiative aims to enhance the export readiness and competitiveness of small and medium enterprises (SMEs), enabling them to access international markets.

Held in conjunction with International MSME Day 2026, the two-day event brought together nearly 100 export-potential entrepreneurs from the Eastern Province. Participants engaged in awareness sessions, technical consultations and personalised business advisory services designed to prepare their businesses for export markets.

As a flagship component of the Sri Lanka Export Excellence Initiative (SLEEI), the ExpoNavigator Programme has now reached seven provinces – Western, North-Western, Northern, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and Eastern – focusing on identifying high-potential SMEs and connecting them with the technical expertise, finance and institutional support required to scale up for exports.

Despite strong potential in agriculture, fisheries, food processing, coconut-based products, spices, manufacturing and other value-added industries, the Eastern Province remains significantly underrepresented in Sri Lanka’s export sector, accounting for less than 1% of registered exporters.

Through interactive awareness sessions and a dedicated Business Clinic, SMEs engaged directly with experts from the EDB and partner institutions on export readiness, product development, branding, packaging, quality standards, certification requirements, market intelligence and access to finance.

The clinic also helped identify high-potential enterprises for continued and targeted support under SLEEI.

The inaugural session was attended by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of EDB, officials from the Batticaloa District Secretariat, Central Bank of Sri Lanka, IFC, EU, commercial banks and partner institutions including ITI, IDB, NEDA, SEDD, Control Union Inspections Pvt. Ltd., as well as industry representatives, highlighting strong collaboration to strengthen the regional SME ecosystem.