The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the European Union (EU), successfully concluded the second ExpoScaleUp Pitching Event under the Sri Lanka Export Excellence Initiative (SLEEI) 2025. The program is supported through the European Union’s regional initiative, Accelerating Climate Smart and Inclusive Infrastructure in South Asia (ACSIIS), under the EU Global Gateway Strategy.
The second edition of the ExpoScaleUp program continued its efforts to enhance the export readiness of Sri Lankan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Participants received specialized training in market research, branding, logistics, and export marketing strategy development before presenting their export plans to a panel of experts from academia, marketing, and trade facilitation.
Delivering the opening address, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe emphasized the importance of strengthening the SME sector to drive Sri Lanka’s economic recovery and export growth. He also acknowledged the continued support of the European Union and IFC in equipping local businesses with the knowledge, skills, and international exposure needed to compete in global markets.
Gregory Smith, Manager of Country Advisory and Economics at IFC South Asia, highlighted the critical role SMEs play in Sri Lanka’s economy. He noted that expanding SME exports is a key strategy for driving economic growth, creating employment opportunities, and improving national prosperity. Smith also outlined IFC’s ongoing financial and technical assistance to help SMEs improve operational efficiency, enter new markets, and strengthen their competitiveness. He added that the partnership with EDB and the EU further expands opportunities for SMEs to learn, connect with global markets, and scale their businesses internationally.
Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Urszula Solkiewicz, International Cooperation Officer for Climate and Environment at the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, stressed the importance of enhancing export competitiveness while accelerating the transition toward greener and more sustainable value chains. She noted that ExpoScaleUp helps Sri Lankan SMEs strengthen their connections with the European market and supports long-term economic resilience.
Following the pitching session, selected SMEs will progress to the ExpoConnect program, where they will receive further support in market access, trade facilitation, and strategic business matchmaking with international buyers. The participating businesses represented a wide range of sectors, including value-added food and beverages, coconut-based products, spices and wellness products, ICT/BPM services, apparel, and handicrafts.
The event concluded with an awards ceremony recognizing the SMEs that presented the strongest and most innovative export marketing strategies.
The successful completion of the second ExpoScaleUp Pitching Event highlights Sri Lanka’s continued commitment to building a globally competitive SME sector. Through strategic partnerships and targeted capacity-building initiatives, SLEEI 2025 is helping local enterprises strengthen their export capabilities, expand into international markets, and contribute to sustainable export-led economic growth.
flydubai Unveils Major Fleet Expansion and New Inflight Connectivity Partnership
flydubai has unveiled a series of major initiatives aimed at supporting its long-term growth strategy and enhancing the passenger experience. The Dubai-based carrier has signed a landmark agreement to acquire 150 Airbus A321neo aircraft—its first-ever order with Airbus—while also signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for 75 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, further strengthening its longstanding partnership with Boeing and providing greater flexibility for future fleet expansion.
The airline also announced Starlink as its new inflight connectivity partner. The high-speed, low-latency satellite internet service will be rolled out across the flydubai fleet, allowing passengers to enjoy seamless streaming, messaging, video calls, and online browsing throughout their journeys. Installation of the Starlink system is scheduled to begin in 2026.
Commenting on the milestone, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of flydubai, described the Airbus agreement as a significant step in the airline’s continued growth.
“This landmark order for 150 A321neo aircraft represents another important milestone in flydubai’s journey. It is not simply about expanding our fleet—it supports the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, while aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
The addition of the A321neo diversifies our narrow-body fleet, strengthens our long-term expansion strategy, and positions flydubai to play a vital role in the development of Dubai World Central, which is set to become one of the world's largest airports. These aircraft will support the next phase of our network expansion and help us meet growing demand across our markets. We also look forward to building a strong and lasting partnership with Airbus,” he said.
flydubai Chief Executive Officer Ghaith Al Ghaith said the partnership with Starlink reflects the airline’s commitment to innovation and customer experience.
“We are proud to introduce Starlink’s advanced technology to our customers. This partnership marks a major milestone in our efforts to enhance the onboard experience by delivering fast and reliable internet connectivity across our expanding network. As passenger expectations continue to evolve, dependable inflight connectivity has become increasingly important. Our collaboration with Starlink enables us to meet those expectations while keeping innovation at the centre of our growth strategy,” he said.
Sri Lanka Export Excellence Initiative Boosts SME Export Growth Through Second ExpoScaleUp Pitching Event
