Business
Opportunities for Sri Lankan electronic and electrical Industry to link with global value chains
EDB takes initiatives for the betterment of the sector
Sri Lanka’s ability to overcome the current financial crisis heavily depends on export revenue. Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), High Value Addition, Business-Friendly regulatory framework, and Research and Development (R&D) initiatives are necessary for Sri Lankan exporters to compete in international markets and establish connections to the Global Value Chain (GVC).
Statistics show that Sri Lankan exporters have not been able to properly connect to the GVC despite the country’s inherent comparative advantage in this area of global production due to its Geographic Advantage, Logistics, Market access, Educated and Adaptable Workforce, Lower cost of Manufacturing, Precision Manufacturing and Labor, Quality, Reliability and Trust, Low Lead Time etc. Some of the major contributing causes are Organizational Challenges, Legal & Regulatory Challenges, Technical Challenges, Social & Cultural Challenges, Political Challenges, and Economic Challenges.
Over the past five years, the Sri Lankan Electronic and Electrical industry has advanced significantly. Despite the Covid pandemic, economic hardship, and political uncertainty, the sector export revenue grew by 22% between 2015 and 2022. Automobile Components, Power Generation and Distribution, Telecommunication, Medical, Construction, Consumer Electronics, and Industrial Automation make up the majority of the sector’s exports with over about 100 companies. The Sri Lankan Electronic and Electrical Sector (EEC), which employs more than 38,000 skilled workers and ranks fifth in terms of the country’s merchandise export income earners, generated US$ 483 million in 2022. Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Electronics Manufacturing Service (EMS) providers make up the majority of the businesses.
Global Value Chains have benefited emerging nations by facilitating their diversification away from primary products and toward manufactures and services. In the past, in order to export a manufactured good, a nation had to be capable of producing the entire good. Now a nation can specialize in one or more activities where it has a competitive advantage through value chains. GVCs separate the various steps in the creation of a Smartphone, a TV, or a Car so that they can be completed in various countries.
Today, more than two thirds of all global trade take place where value chains cross at least one and frequently several borders during their production process. The EDB has taken some initiatives for the betterment of the sector in connecting to the GVC and to improve the export revenue.
By working with firms that assist with global buyer/importer search, the EDB will develop an International Buyer Search System for all export sectors (like in South Korea) that will enable exporters to easily connect with reliable foreign clients. The EDB is closely collaborating with the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and PayPal for an online payment gateway, that will make it simpler to send and receive payments to and from foreign vendors. In order to connect with trustworthy foreign clients, the EDB is also promoting and advising export companies to participate at most prospective international exhibitions and business forums. The EDB continuously promotes and helps to find potential buyers for local export companies in all export sectors through its web portal (srilankabusiness.com) and social media channels. Moreover, the EDB is working with the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka to entice Multinational Corporations to Sri Lanka in order to encourage Foreign Direct Investments in the Electronic and Electrical sector. Furthermore, the EDB works closely with International Certification Organizations to help export businesses maintain product quality standards in accordance with customer satisfaction so they can connect to GVCs.
In contrast, the Government is working on to upgrade the logistics infrastructure, which includes updating Ports and Airports, expediting Customs operations, and collaborating with all border agencies to provide a one-stop shop system to expedite and facilitate the export process.
By Sanath Nanayakkare
In a major boost to bilateral economic ties, the Chamber of Construction Industry of Sri Lanka (CCISL) and the Indo–Sri Lanka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ISCCI) have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation in real estate, infrastructure, and urban development.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for both institutions to drive collaborative initiatives, including business delegations, high-level conferences, workshops, B2B matchmaking sessions, and technical site visits. Designed to bridge businesses, government institutions, and project stakeholders across the Palk Strait, the partnership aims to unlock new avenues for cross-border joint ventures and technology transfers.
A focal point of this newly minted partnership is the facilitation of an upcoming trade delegation from the National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) of India. Comprising major Indian players in the real estate and infrastructure sectors, the visiting delegation will engage in targeted business meetings, workshops, and inspection tours of prominent construction projects in Sri Lanka.
Under the terms of the MoU, CCISL will serve as the principal host coordinator in Sri Lanka. In close consultation with ISCCI, the apex construction body will curate itineraries, identify viable projects for engagement, and facilitate high-level dialogues with key government agencies, regulatory bodies, and industry leaders.
With both nations prioritizing sustainable urban growth, modern construction technologies, and infrastructure expansion, industry leaders view the partnership as a timely catalyst for economic rejuvenation. The collaboration is anticipated to accelerate market access, knowledge exchange, and foreign direct investment into Sri Lanka’s burgeoning property and development sectors.
To ensure the success of the upcoming NAREDCO delegation, CCISL has issued an urgent appeal to statutory authorities and relevant project owners to come forward with viable investment proposals. Stakeholders holding projects seeking foreign investment or technical partnerships are invited to submit comprehensive details to the Secretary General and CEO of CCISL via email at secyces@gmail.com.
Both chambers emphasize that translating this foundational agreement into tangible partnerships and robust capital flows will significantly strengthen bilateral connectivity between the construction and real estate sectors of India and Sri Lanka.
Hettich, the globally renowned German manufacturer of furniture fittings and architectural hardware known for its state-of-the-art manufacturing plants and magical interior solutions across the world celebrated a significant milestone in Sri Lanka, marking 10 years of presence in the country with its inaugural Partner Meet in Colombo.
The landmark event brought together Hettich’s key partners, stakeholders and industry leaders to celebrate a decade of growth, collaboration and shared success, while reaffirming the company’s long-term commitment to the Sri Lankan market.
Over the past decade, Hettich has strengthened its presence in Sri Lanka through its focus on German engineering, innovation, quality and functionality, contributing to the creation of contemporary and intelligently designed living and working spaces across the country.
The gala evening was graced by a distinguished delegation of senior leaders, including Dr. Andreas Hettich, Chairman, Hettich Group Advisory Board; S. K. Poddar, Chairman, Hettich India & Adventz Group; Mr. Akshay Poddar, Director, Hettich India; Andre Eckholt, Managing Director, Hettich India, SAARC, Middle East & Africa; Rahul Thakkar, Director – Sales, Hettich India & SAARC; and Dinusha Bhaskaran, Managing Director, Vallibel One PLC.
GS Evo Motors Limited, the authorized distributor of JMEV electric vehicles in Sri Lanka, has officially launched the JMEV EWIND, a next-generation compact electric SUV. The vehicle is designed to offer strong performance, intelligent technology, premium comfort, and high safety standards, marking another milestone in Sri Lanka’s growing electric mobility sector.
The EWIND features a sleek, aerodynamic exterior with penetrating LED daytime running lights, trapezoidal chain-inspired LED tail lamps, 19-inch alloy wheels, and a bold silhouette. Inside, it offers a spacious cabin with a panoramic moonroof and retractable curtain, an ultra-thin suspended instrument panel, a D-shaped multifunction steering wheel, multi-colour ambient lighting, premium finishes, and electrically adjustable front seats.
The SUV is available in single-motor front-wheel drive configurations, producing up to 108 kW and 210 Nm, with 0–100 km/h acceleration in 8.9 seconds.
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