Sri Lanka needs to hone in on value-addition within its manufacturing sector which uses natural resources, in addition to attracting foreign investment aimed at revitalising key industrial sectors, Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi said during a discussion between export industry stakeholders, according to a statement released by the Public Diplomacy Division (PDD).

“Minister Handunneththi, speaking on industry perspective, emphasised the importance of value addition in Sri Lanka’s manufacturing sector which uses natural resources in the country. He highlighted ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment aimed at revitalising key industrial sectors and addressing barriers that hinder their growth,” the PDD statement said.

“Attracting investors into industrial zones was presented as a vital step toward accelerating industrial development and export expansion.”

According to the statement, Sri Lanka’s overseas missions are directed to identify new export markets, attract sustainable foreign investments.

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath, along with Industry Minister Sunil Handunneththi and Trade Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe launched an integrated mechanism to enhance collaboration between Sri Lanka’s overseas missions and national institutions.

Joined by Ministry Secretaries and agency heads, the initiative aimed to revitalise the country’s trade and investment agenda through coordinated efforts.

The session on 16 September, attended by all Heads of Mission and Post, served as a platform to share key policy directives, practical proposals, and focused ideas, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism said.

Opening the session, Foreign Secretary Aruni Ranaraja provided an overview of the current investment and export landscape, briefing the importance of adopting targeted strategies to diversify Sri Lanka’s export portfolio and attract foreign direct investment.

She reiterated that enhancing economic resilience and driving sustainable growth will require a proactive, coordinated approach across all relevant stakeholders.

Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath underscored the responsibility of Missions in identifying new markets, attracting sustainable foreign investment, and enhancing export performance.

Recognising these as key pillars of the national economic agenda, the Minister noted that progress will be subject to regular review to ensure accountability and impact.

Herath further stressed that strengthened coordination among trade and investment-related institutions will be essential to delivering tangible outcomes, the statement said.

Meanwhile, Samarasinghe highlighted the importance of Sri Lanka focusing on attracting foreign investment and advancing export development in light of the current global economic conditions.

He stressed the need for coordinated and forward-thinking strategies to meet the country’s export targets for 2030.

Additionally, Trade Secretary K.A. Vimalenthirarajah affirmed the Trade Ministry’s strong commitment to providing continued support and assistance to Sri Lanka’s Missions abroad, to carry out their responsibilities effectively.