Exporters call for urgent reforms and labour solutions
The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) has submitted a comprehensive package of proposals for the upcoming National Budget, calling for bold reforms to strengthen the export sector, attract investment, and enhance Sri Lanka’s global competitiveness.
The recommendations are the outcome of extensive consultations with NCE members and the Chamber’s sectoral heads, ensuring they reflect the genuine challenges and aspirations of exporters across industries. While specific reforms have been suggested for high-potential sectors such as minerals, floriculture, and horticulture, the Chamber stressed that the majority of proposals are cross-cutting measures that apply broadly across all export industries. Exporters face delays and high costs due to inefficient procedures and outdated systems. The NCE has called for: A modern cargo scanner at Katunayake Export Processing Center. A single-window digital system for exporter registration and renewals.
Sri Lankan exporters often lose value by supplying under foreign labels. To build stronger brand equity, the NCE proposes: Government-backed liability insurance and tax concessions for brand-building. Fast-tracked trademark registration and Sri Lanka’s accession to the Madrid Protocol, relaunch of the EDB Brand Development Program and global campaigns showcasing Sri Lankan quality.
The high cost of compliance and lack of accredited facilities hinder exporters, especially SMEs. The NCE recommends: Accreditation of selected university laboratories to ISO 17025 standards and EDB reimbursement of 50% of certification costs and low-interest loan schemes. Sri Lanka’s exporters need more incentives to move up the value chain. Proposals include: Tax-free export profits for products with more than 60% local value addition, triple tax deductions for R&D, product innovation, and sustainability practices and a government-backed R&D fund to co-finance industry–academia partnerships. SMEs continue to struggle with limited access to affordable finance. To address this: The NCE urges the creation of a Sri Lankan Export-Import (EXIM) Bank and double tax deductions for investments in technology, capacity, and sustainability.
Floriculture & Horticulture: The NCC proposes online permit system for the Department of Forests, plus training and incentives to develop professional capacity. Mineral Sector: It proposes shift royalty calculation to mine gate value, standardize mining licenses to 15–20 years, and introduce a single-window clearance system.
NCE President Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa said:
“The export sector is the engine of Sri Lanka’s economic growth. Our proposals are practical, impactful, and focused on removing structural bottlenecks that hinder competitiveness. While we have highlighted issues faced by a few key sectors, the majority of our recommendations are cross-cutting and relevant to all exporters. If implemented, they will strengthen existing exporters, attract new investments, and create much-needed employment opportunities.”
