Earnings from Coconut-based products, Processed Food and Beverages, and Electrical & Electronic Components increased by 20.85%, 26.05%, and 44.18%, respectively, during the first quarter of 2026 compared to the corresponding period in 2025.
Export earnings from Coconut and Coconut-based products rose significantly by 20.76 % to US$ 314.09 million during January–March 2026 compared to the same period last year. This performance was supported by growth across all major coconut product categories, including Coconut Kernel products (21.05 %), Fibre products (0.04%), and Shell products (52.68%).
The sector’s strong performance was primarily driven by increased export earnings from Coconut Oil (34.97%), Desiccated Coconut (35.07%), Coconut Cream (37.27%), Liquid Coconut Milk (12.63%), and Activated Carbon (46.8%), reflecting sustained global demand and continued value addition within the industry. Export earnings from Food & Beverages increased by 26.05% year-on-year to US$ 174.5 million during the period January to March 2026, supported by strong performance in processed food exports, which grew by 35.85% to reach US$ 78.44 million. Meanwhile, earnings from exports of Electrical and Electronic Components (EEC) increased by 44.18% to US$ 142.02 million during January–March 2026 compared to the corresponding period in 2025. This growth was driven by strong performance across key product categories, including Electrical Transformers (+41.73%), Insulated Wires and Cables (+35.9%), and Switches, Boards & Panels (+22.22%). In addition, exports of boilers and piston engines also contributed to the upward trend, reaching US$ 16.28 million, reflecting a notable increase during the first quarter of 2026.
Further, export earnings from Seafood increased by 30.93% to US$ 63.16 million during January–March 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. This growth was driven by strong performance in key product categories, including frozen fish (+17.56%) and fresh fish (+106.27%), reflecting improved export volumes and stronger market demand. Furthermore, the estimated value of ICT exports is expected to increase by 31.15 % to US$ 468.72 Mn during the period of January to March 2026 when compared to the corresponding period of 2025.
Sri Lanka Strengthens Tourism and Education Links with China
Sri Lanka has taken a significant step toward strengthening its tourism and educational cooperation with China, following an official visit by Deputy Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe to Sichuan College on April 23.
The visit, conducted under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, focused on enhancing bilateral collaboration in tourism education, cultural exchange, and industry development. Prof. Ranasinghe, who serves as Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, held discussions with college leadership, including Deputy Party Secretary and President Wang Chuan.
Both sides explored avenues for cooperation in tourism talent development, joint research, and vocational training, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting sustainable tourism practices while deepening cultural and educational ties.
During the visit, Prof. Ranasinghe revisited Sichuan University, where he previously pursued doctoral studies, describing Sichuan as his “second home.” He highlighted the complementary strengths of Sri Lanka and China in tourism, particularly in areas such as culinary arts, hospitality, and eco-tourism.
The Deputy Minister also toured several facilities at Sichuan Tourism College, including its History Museum, Culinary and Food Science Laboratory, and the Institute of Mountain Tourism and Leisure Science, commending the institution’s integrated approach to tourism education and industry-oriented training.
In a lecture titled “China–Sri Lanka Cultural Bonds: Past, Present, and Future,” Prof. Ranasinghe underscored culture as a key driver of tourism growth. He noted that policy coordination, infrastructure connectivity, digital innovation, and educational exchange under the Belt and Road framework could transform longstanding cultural ties into sustainable economic cooperation.
Coconut-Based Product Earnings Rise 20.76% to US$ 314.09Mn in 1Q 2026
