The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE) has officially opened applications for the 34th NCE Export Awards, the Chamber’s flagship recognition programme and the longest-running export awards initiative in Sri Lanka. The announcement was made at a launch event held at the Mandarina Hotel, with applications open until 30 September 2026 ahead of the awards ceremony scheduled for 11 December 2026 at the Main Ballroom of Shangri-La Hotel, Colombo.
Delivering the welcome address, NCE President Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa highlighted the significance of the awards’ uninterrupted 34-year journey, noting that the programme has continued annually despite major national challenges, including the tsunami, Easter Sunday attacks, the COVID-19 pandemic and other economic disruptions.
“The NCE Export Awards is much more than an awards ceremony. It is a national platform that recognises, honours, motivates and rewards the outstanding achievements of Sri Lankan exporters who have brought pride to our country,” Mr. Rajapaksa said.
Sri Lanka’s export sector recorded strong performance in recent years, with export earnings exceeding US$17 billion in 2025. Apparel and textiles remained the largest contributor, generating more than US$5 billion, followed by tea, coconut-based products, food and beverages, spices, rubber, gems and jewellery, along with the rapidly expanding ICT and BPM services sector.
During the first five months of 2026, export earnings reached nearly US$7.4 billion, comprising US$5.76 billion in merchandise exports and US$1.63 billion in services exports, representing growth of more than 7% compared to the same period of the previous year.
Mr. Rajapaksa linked this progress with the government’s export target of approximately US$19 billion for 2026 under the National Export Development Strategy 2026–2030. He encouraged both NCE members and non-members to participate, noting that an NCE Export Award represents a symbol of excellence, credibility and international recognition for Sri Lankan businesses.
NCE Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer Shiham Marikar explained that the judging process evaluates multiple aspects of business performance, including export results, financial strength, market development, branding, ethical practices, governance and human resource development. Special emphasis is placed on innovation, value addition and research and development initiatives.
Entries will also be assessed according to the three sustainability pillars of People, Planet and Profit, aligning with Sri Lanka’s broader economic development priorities. Awards will be presented across sectors with Gold, Silver and Bronze recognitions, alongside special honours including the prestigious Most Outstanding Exporter Award.
The NCE received 154 applications for the previous awards and expects participation to increase to around 175 applications this year. The awards cover four turnover-based categories ranging from Small exporters with annual export turnover below LKR 100 million to Extra Large exporters exceeding LKR 1.5 billion. Three main sectors are included: product exporters, business and professional service exporters, and suppliers to exporters.
Two new categories—Beauty and Personal Care and Stationery—have been introduced this year, increasing the total number of eligible sectors to 40. Application guidelines and forms are available through the NCE website.
Onalie Dissanayake, Chairperson of the NCE Panel of Judges, outlined the evaluation process, which begins with a compliance review before technical assessments and final verification by the judging panel. Applicants have been advised to provide complete submissions, including audited financial statements and required authorisation documents, as incomplete applications may result in disqualification.
The event’s main sponsor, Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons PLC, was represented by Deepal Perera, Head of Sales, who highlighted the company’s decade-long partnership with the NCE Export Awards. Ex-Pack, one of Sri Lanka’s leading corrugated packaging manufacturers and exporters, has progressed from strategic partner to main sponsor over the years.
Closing the event, Lakshan Algama, Chairman of the NCE Event Sub-Committee, emphasised the credibility and prestige built by the Export Awards over more than three decades, encouraging exporters to participate as the evaluation process provides an opportunity to benchmark performance and strengthen business competitiveness.
The 34th NCE Export Awards are supported by Ex-Pack Corrugated Cartons PLC as main sponsor, Ernst & Young as strategic knowledge partner, Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Limited as media partner and Dialog Enterprise as Digital Technology Partner.
From Discarded Fish Waste to Export Earnings: Sri Lankan Innovation Turns Waste into Value
For decades, discarded fish heads, frames, viscera and skins generated at Sri Lanka’s fish markets were viewed as an environmental challenge and a costly waste-management burden. Today, a Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI)-approved enterprise is demonstrating how the same waste stream can be transformed into a valuable export commodity, creating foreign exchange earnings, employment opportunities and a cleaner coastal environment.
The success story of Yesol Lanka, a fish-waste valorisation project based in Madurankuliya, Puttalam, highlights the potential of converting underutilised fish-processing by-products into internationally traded animal feed ingredients.
The venture was founded by entrepreneur Vijitha Kumara Rajapaksa, who gained industry expertise during his time working in South Korea. After spending a decade with Hantech Group, a major animal feed manufacturer operating across South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia and India, Mr. Rajapaksa returned to Sri Lanka with knowledge of advanced fish-waste processing technologies and a vision to develop a similar industry locally.
At the time, discarded fish waste remained a major environmental concern in coastal areas. In locations such as Negombo, fish waste was often disposed of directly into the sea, while by-products from dried-fish production were discarded without organised collection systems. Local authorities also faced significant costs in managing waste accumulated at fish markets across the country.
Recognising the opportunity to address both environmental and economic challenges, Mr. Rajapaksa submitted a proposal to the BOI to collect discarded fish materials nationwide, process them into raw materials for animal feed production and export the finished products.
The project received BOI approval after identifying several key benefits, including reducing environmental pollution, generating foreign exchange, creating employment opportunities and providing additional income streams for fishermen and fish-waste collectors who previously had no commercial market for these materials.
Established on a 50-acre site in Madurankuliya with an investment of US$3 million, Yesol Lanka currently employs 45 people directly while generating significant indirect employment opportunities. The facility has the capacity to process 100 metric tons of fish waste per day, compared to the current national collection volume of approximately 50–70 metric tons daily.
The company purchases fish waste from fishermen and collectors at Rs. 20–30 per kilogram, turning what was once discarded material into a source of income. Its production process includes in-house laboratory testing for every batch, with specialised machinery capable of processing 15 tons of waste at a time at temperatures of 120°C, ensuring compliance with international quality standards.
Today, Yesol Lanka exports between 30,000 and 35,000 metric tons annually of fish meal, fish oil and fish paste, generating approximately US$2 million to US$2.5 million in annual export revenue. Its international customers include CP Company of Vietnam, one of the world’s leading shrimp farming groups.
The company has also achieved 100% Green Project status by adopting environmentally responsible practices, including replacing traditional export packaging with recyclable IBC containers and plastic pallets.
Yesol Lanka’s growth reflects a broader opportunity within Sri Lanka’s fisheries sector. The conversion of fish waste into high-value marine ingredients aligns with rapidly expanding global markets for fishmeal, fish oil, fish protein hydrolysates and aquaculture feed products.
Global demand for sustainable marine-based ingredients continues to rise due to growth in aquaculture, premium pet-food markets and increasing adoption of circular economy practices. Asia-Pacific remains a major growth region, driven by expanding aquaculture and food industries in countries such as China, India, Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia.
BOI analysis indicates that Sri Lanka lands approximately 480,000 to 530,000 metric tons of fish annually, generating significant volumes of fish-processing waste. However, only a small proportion of the country’s total catch is currently converted into value-added marine products, presenting substantial opportunities for future investment.
Moving beyond traditional fishmeal production towards certified, higher-value products such as hydrolysed proteins and pet-food-grade ingredients could further increase export potential, provided producers meet internationally recognised certification standards.
Commenting on the company’s journey, Mr. Rajapaksa encouraged Sri Lankan youth to explore innovative, export-focused entrepreneurship rather than limiting themselves to traditional career paths. He emphasised that businesses built around sustainability and value addition can contribute significantly to national economic growth.
Through initiatives such as Yesol Lanka, the BOI continues to promote investments that transform environmental challenges into export opportunities, strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a destination for sustainable and circular-economy industries.
National Chamber of Exporters Opens Applications for 34th NCE Export Awards 2026
Toyota Lanka Introduces a New Era of After-Sales Excellence, Strengthening a Legacy of Trust
For vehicle owners, the ownership journey extends far beyond the moment they receive their keys. Reliable servicing, technical expertise and convenient access to support have become essential elements of a complete automotive experience. Recognising these evolving expectations, Toyota Lanka continues to expand its after-sales capabilities across Sri Lanka, bringing trusted service solutions closer to customers while strengthening its reputation as one of the country’s most trusted automotive brands.
The company has significantly enhanced its after-sales operations in the Central Province, particularly around Kandy, introducing improved service capabilities designed to deliver a higher level of customer care and convenience.
This development forms part of Toyota Lanka’s broader strategy to expand its network of integrated 3S facilities, combining Sales, Service and Spare Parts under one location to provide customers with a complete ownership experience.
Toyota Lanka has steadily grown its nationwide presence over recent years. By the end of 2026, the company expects its network to exceed 30 facilities, expanding from its current presence of more than 20 locations. This expansion reflects a long-term commitment to improving accessibility and ensuring Toyota customers receive consistent service support wherever they are located.
At the heart of this growth is a service operation built around Toyota’s globally recognised standards. Equipped with advanced diagnostic technology, specialised tools, genuine spare parts and a highly trained technical workforce, Toyota Lanka is able to support a wide range of vehicles, including advanced hybrid models.
The company’s objective remains clear: to provide customers with the same level of quality, reliability and confidence associated with the Toyota brand worldwide, ensuring every service interaction contributes to a safer and more dependable ownership experience.
Toyota Lanka’s commitment to service excellence has received international recognition, with the company receiving Toyota Motor Corporation’s Customer Delight Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025 for its outstanding performance in customer care and after-sales service.
While infrastructure and technology continue to play an important role, customer trust remains central to Toyota Lanka’s success. The company’s customer-first approach has shaped the way it engages with motorists across Sri Lanka, building long-term relationships based on reliability, consistency and confidence.
Over the years, Toyota Lanka has received several recognitions, including being named Sri Lanka’s No. 1 Product Brand by LMD Brands Annual, Most Loved Brand at the LMD Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, and the country’s No. 1 Most Loved Automobile Brand.
Supporting these service standards is the Toyota Lanka Auto Academy, which plays a key role in developing skilled automotive professionals. Through structured training programmes, practical learning and global Toyota-standard education, the academy ensures that technical expertise continues to evolve alongside rapidly changing vehicle technologies.
More than a training centre, the Auto Academy provides an environment where technical knowledge is combined with professionalism, responsibility and a strong commitment to customer service.
With decades of experience in Sri Lanka’s automotive sector, Toyota Lanka has built its reputation not only through the vehicles it represents but also through the support and care it provides throughout the ownership journey. As the authorised distributor of Toyota vehicles in Sri Lanka, the company continues to grow alongside generations of customers who have placed their trust in the brand.
The enhanced after-sales capabilities in Kandy represent more than an expansion of facilities; they reflect Toyota Lanka’s ongoing commitment to accessibility, technical excellence and customer satisfaction. Guided by the Toyota LIFE philosophy of Loyalty, Integrity, Fairness and Ethics, the company continues to place trust, respect and responsibility at the centre of the Toyota ownership experience.
As Sri Lanka’s automotive landscape continues to evolve, Toyota Lanka remains focused on ensuring customers have access to the expertise, support and peace of mind they need at every stage of vehicle ownership — because every vehicle represents more than transportation; it carries the journeys, memories and experiences that matter most to its owners.