President urges tea and rubber industries to drive exports and foreign exchange growth
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has told leading representatives of the tea and rubber industries that the Government’s priority is to strengthen local industries, expand exports and increase net foreign exchange earnings in order to reduce Sri Lanka’s dependence on debt.
Speaking during a discussion at the Presidential Secretariat, the President said Sri Lanka must follow export-driven development models adopted by successful economies and called on industries to improve production efficiency, share reliable data and adopt more scientific approaches to growth.
The discussions focused on a new export strategy to be implemented under the 2026–2030 National Export Development Plan.
In the rubber sector, attention was given to expanding value-added production, addressing shortages of raw materials and labour, and improving cultivation in new regions. Industry representatives also highlighted concerns regarding tyre imports, delays in VAT refunds and regulatory issues affecting exporters.
Tea sector representatives raised concerns about rising export costs to Middle Eastern markets and sought Government intervention on financial matters linked to the Iran “oil for tea” arrangement. They also requested support to improve productivity among smallholder tea growers.
According to officials, the meeting concluded with industry leaders expressing support for the Government’s efforts to strengthen exports, increase foreign exchange earnings and promote long-term economic growth.
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