The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) has taken a significant step towards preparing for Sri Lanka Expo 2027, holding talks with the University of Kelaniya on providing interpretation services to facilitate the B2B discussions between the visiting foreign delegates and Sri Lankan export companies.
An EDB delegation led by Chairman & CEO, Mr Mangala Wijesinghe recently visited the University of Kelaniya for discussions held at the Vice-Chancellor’s office. The EDB delegation included Director General Erandika Dissanayake, Additional Director General (Development) Kumuduni Mudaliage, Director (Export Services) Indumini Kodikara and Expo Consultant Coordinator Anoma Premathilake. The meeting was attended by Prof. Narada Fernando, Vice-Chancellor; Senior Professor Patrick Ratnayake, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Dr Udara de Silva, Head of the Department of Modern Languages; and Senior Lecturer Udeshika Perera, Head of the Department of Hindi, together with academic staff of the Department of Modern Languages.
EDB officials briefed the university on the Board’s mandate to advise the government on export policy formulation, capacity building, export facilitation, export performance monitoring and introducing Sri Lankan exporters to international markets through promotions. The EDB highlighted the new National Export Development Plan (NEDP) formulated and being implemented for the next five years with the objective to increase export by USD 36 Bn by 2030.
Chairman EDB also briefed on the progress made on the Sri Lanka Expo 2027, premier international exhibition which will be held at the BMICH from 14th to 17th January 2027. The first three days will be dedicated to international buyers/investors while the final day will be open to the general public as well.
A central theme of the meeting was the role of foreign language skills in welcoming the international delegations expected at the Expo. EDB officials stressed that the requirement goes well beyond interpretation, extending to facilitate business negotiation and documentation. The EDB will share its specific expectations and targets with the University.
The two sides also discussed student internships, translation services, an orientation programme at the University and an appreciation process for the services rendered.