Govt will launch programme to double Sri Lanka’s exports - PM

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe says that the government is looking to double Sri Lanka’s exports and that a large-scale programme will be initiated in the future for this purpose. 

He stated that the government has already launched the “Swa Shakthi” programme, which is designed to promote the rural economy by assisting a large number of small businesses.

He stated that the government is looking to create a large-scale programme by bringing together the Export Development Board, the Ministry of International Trade and other groups in order to double the country’s exports. 

“Today, the balance of payments is disadvantages for us. We have had to get foreign exchange on loan. We cannot be a country with such debt burden,” he said. 

Therefore our own entrepreneurs have to develop this and tap the European market after we get GSP Plus as there is a large demand for Sri Lankan exports in Europe, he said. 

Speaking to reporters at Vyawasaya 2017, the trade and education exhibition organised by the Small Enterprises Development Bureau of Sri Lanka at the BMICH, Mr Wickremesinghe stated that the government is prepared to provide all the necessary assistance to such businesses.