Sri Lanka’s Exports Rise 6% in Early 2026, IT and Services Drive Growth

Sri Lanka recorded a 6 percent growth in exports during the first four months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, despite global economic pressures triggered by conflicts in the Middle East.

According to Export Development Board Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe, the current momentum could help the country surpass 2025’s record-high export revenue. He noted that service exports now contribute around 22 percent of total export earnings, with the country generating over US$3 billion from service exports in 2025.

In the first four months of 2026, service exports reached a record US$1.28 billion, marking a 10.5 percent increase year-on-year, with the information technology sector emerging as a key growth driver.

Sri Lanka is also preparing its National Export Development Plan (NEDP), focusing on expanding IT, logistics, shipbuilding, and ship repair sectors to diversify exports, create jobs, and boost foreign exchange earnings in the coming years.