COLOMBO : Sri Lanka’s export sector has recorded significant growth during the first half of 2026, with total export earnings exceeding the US$ 9 billion mark.
Sri Lanka’s export sector continued to demonstrate resilience and sustained growth, combined merchandise and services exports reaching an estimated US$ 9,012.24 million during the January–June 2026 period, according to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB).
This represents an 8% year-on-year increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025, the EDB added.
Meanwhile, services exports maintained its positive growth trajectory, reaching an estimated US$ 1,938.94 million during the January–June 2026 period, an increase of 4.49% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year. The continued expansion of services exports further reinforces the sector’s growing contribution to Sri Lanka’s overall export earnings and external sector performance, the EDB stated.
According to provisional data released by Sri Lanka Customs, together with estimated export values for Gems & Jewellery and Petroleum Products, Sri Lanka’s merchandise exports amounted to US$ 1,314.10 million in June 2026, representing a robust 15.09% year-on-year increase compared to June 2025.
The services export sector also maintained its positive growth momentum, generating an estimated US$ 344.52 million in June 2026, reflecting a 3.75% increase over the corresponding month of the previous year.
Accordingly, Sri Lanka’s total exports, comprising both merchandise and services, reached an estimated US$ 1,658.62 million in June 2026, recording a 12.53% year-on-year growth compared to June 2025.
Overall, Sri Lanka’s export performance during the first half of 2026 highlights the strength of the country’s external sector, with total exports surpassing US$ 9 billion, the Export Development Board noted. The sustained growth achieved across merchandise and services exports reflects continued progress toward building a more diversified, competitive, and export-oriented economy, in line with the country’s long-term economic development objectives, the EDB added further.;Adam Derana
