Sri Lanka’s total export earnings increased to USD 4,308.11 million in the first quarter of 2026, recording a growth of 1.59% compared to the same period in 2025, the Export Development Board said.
Although export earnings in March were recorded at USD 1,467.31 million, it has decreased by 5.2 % compared to March last year. However, there is a growth of 9 percent for February. Goods export earnings have decreased by 4.94 % to USD 1,180.36 million, while services export earnings have decreased by 6.26 percent to USD 286.92 million. Further details on the export performance for the month show that merchandise export earnings were USD 1,180.36 million, a decrease of 4.94%. Similarly, service export earnings were estimated at USD 286.92 million, a decrease of 6.26%.
Speaking at a media briefing held at the Department of Information yesterday (23), Chairman of the Export Development Board, Mangala Wijesinghe, stated that although there was a slight decline in export earnings in March 2026, Sri Lanka’s export performance remained strong overall during the first three months of the year. Although Sri Lanka’s export earnings in March 2026 showed a slight decline to US$ 1,467.31 million, the overall performance clearly reflects the resilience and stability of the export sector during the first quarter.
The growth recorded during the period from January to March 2026 demonstrates the ability of the export sector to successfully navigate the global market conditions.
This was supported by the continued demand for key export sectors, the gradual strengthening of services exports, and the ongoing export promotion and market diversification efforts. Looking ahead, a series of policy decisions to be taken by the Export Development Council of Ministers (EDCM) will further strengthen the export system. These include measures to improve trade facilitation, streamline regulatory processes, support market diversification, and improve access to finance for exporters.
With these strategic interventions and the continued implementation of the National Export Development Plan, Sri Lanka is well positioned to sustain export growth momentum and achieve the annual export targets for 2026, he added.
Source : Daily News