Sri Lanka’s total exports have reached $ 13.61 billion during the first nine months of 2026, recording a year-on-year growth of 5.04% compared with $ 12.96 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, according to the latest export performance figures released by Sri Lanka Customs, together with the EDB’s estimates.
In the category of gems and jewellery and petroleum products, merchandise exports grew by 5.35% to $ 10.76 billion during January–September, compared with $ 10.22 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025.
Meanwhile, services exports grew by 3.88% to $ 2.85 billion, up from $ 2.74 billion in the corresponding period of the previous year. The performance of both segments highlights the importance of strengthening Sri Lanka’s export competitiveness while diversifying its sources of export earnings.
Sri Lanka recorded a particularly strong performance in September this year, with total exports reaching $ 1.69 billion, an impressive year-on-year increase of 17.23% compared with $ 1.44 billion in September 2025.
Merchandise exports were the main driver of this monthly growth, increasing by 21.66% to $ 1.39 billion, compared with $ 1.14 billion in September 2025. Services exports also recorded a positive performance, rising by 0.67% to $ 306.17 million from $ 304.14 million in the corresponding month last year.
The strong growth in merchandise exports during September contributed significantly to the overall improvement in export earnings, reinforcing the positive trajectory of Sri Lanka’s export sector.
Commenting on the export performance in September this year, Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Mangala Wijesinghe stated: “Sri Lanka’s total exports reaching $ 13.61 billion during the first nine months of 2026, representing a growth of 5.04% compared with the corresponding period of 2025, reflects the continued resilience and progress of our export sector.”
“Particularly encouraging is the strong performance recorded in September, when total exports increased by 17.23% year-on-year to $ 1.69 billion, driven by a significant 21.66% growth in merchandise exports. This performance demonstrates the potential of Sri Lankan exporters to strengthen their presence in international markets despite an increasingly competitive global trading environment,” he added.