The Export Development Board (EDB) aims to increase creative-industry export revenue by 10% by 2028–29 through its Creative Sri Lanka 2030 programme.
The three-year programme will focus on 10 selected umbrella brands in the giftware, handicraft and lifestyle product sectors.
The EDB wants to connect these brands with SMEs, artisans, designers and universities. The programme will also help local businesses develop products for global markets.
Sri Lanka has a long history of working with clay, wood, fibre, metal and textiles. However, many artisans still operate on a small scale and have limited links with overseas buyers.
Creative Sri Lanka 2030 aims to change that by linking local craft skills with design, production and export markets.
SMEs to join export supply network
The EDB plans to connect 40–50 SMEs with the 10 selected brands as support suppliers.
It will also develop 50 SMEs as second-tier manufacturers.
The programme will offer training in design, production and market development. Local and foreign experts will take part in these activities.
The EDB also plans to help exporters build links with foreign buyers.
Participating businesses will get opportunities to attend international trade fairs. One of them is the Ambiente Gifts exhibition in Frankfurt, Germany, in early 2027.
The programme follows an earlier pilot supported by the European Union and British Council.
During that phase, five local brands worked with international designers. Those partnerships helped them secure export orders from Germany, Denmark and the United Kingdom.
The government has now provided funding to continue the project.
Several state and academic bodies will support the programme. They include the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, National Craft Council and National Design Centre.
The University of Moratuwa and private universities will also take part.
EDB looks to build export-ready brands
EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe said the programme will help the country make better use of its creative industries.
He said creative industries are growing across the global economy and contributing more to national economies.
EDB Director of Industrial Products Manoja Dissanayake said local craft skills and natural resources offer opportunities across several sectors.
These include handicrafts, design, fashion, film, performing arts, heritage, architecture and cuisine.
According to United Nations estimates cited by the EDB, the global creative economy is worth about US$2 trillion.
The sector also supports close to 50 million jobs worldwide.
Creative Sri Lanka 2030 aims to turn more local craft businesses into export-ready suppliers and brands.
The EDB expects the programme to raise export revenue from the creative industry by 10% by 2028–29. It also expects the programme to create new jobs in related sectors.
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Last modified: September 3, 2026
