Sri Lanka’s total export earnings have increased to USD 13.612 billion during the first nine months of 2026, according to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB).
EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe made this announcement while addressing a media briefing held at the Department of Government Information.
Accordingly, Sri Lanka earned USD 10.761 billion from merchandise exports and USD 2.850 billion from services exports between January and September.
The Chairman also stated that Sri Lanka recorded its highest-ever monthly export earnings in September 2026, reaching USD 1.691 billion for the first time in the country’s history.
This represents a 17.2% increase compared to September 2025, he added.
Merchandise exports generated USD 1.385 billion in September, marking a 21.6% increase compared to the corresponding month last year. Meanwhile, services exports brought in USD 306 million during the month.
However, Wijesinghe noted that Sri Lankan exporters continue to face challenges due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
Rising transportation and insurance costs, along with difficulties affecting export activities in countries across the region, have placed additional pressure on exporters, he said.
Despite these challenges, the Chairman commended the continued efforts of Sri Lankan exporters and their contribution to the growth of the country’s export sector.
Describing the strong export performance recorded in September as a positive trend, Wijesinghe said the EDB expects this growth to continue over the next three to four months.
Accordingly, Sri Lanka is working towards achieving total export earnings exceeding USD 18 billion in 2026, he added.
Commenting on the performance, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe stated:
“For the first time in history, export earnings in September reached USD 1.691 billion. This represents a significant growth of 17.2% compared to September last year. Merchandise export earnings amounted to USD 1.385 billion, recording a 21.6% increase year-on-year. Meanwhile, export earnings from the services sector stood at USD 306 million.
“Over the past nine months, particularly from January to September, Sri Lanka’s overall export performance reached USD 13.612 billion. Merchandise exports accounted for USD 10.761 billion, while services exports generated USD 2.850 billion.
“The impact of the Middle East crisis is still being felt by our exporters. Rising transportation and insurance costs, together with difficulties affecting export activities in countries across the region, have created considerable challenges for them.
“Despite these difficulties, the continued efforts of our exporters deserve recognition. They are making a significant contribution to the growth of the country’s export sector.
“Overall, we consider the high export earnings recorded in September to be a very positive trend. We expect to sustain this growth over the next three to four months.
“Accordingly, we are working towards achieving the highest target for Sri Lanka this year, with export earnings exceeding USD 18 billion.”
