The Government is optimistic about achieving its export target of USD 18 billion in 2025 and building a USD 300 billion economy by 2030, according to Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary to the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development.
She stated that despite numerous challenges, Sri Lanka had recorded an 8% increase in export revenue this year. However, due to the recent cyclone-related disaster, the country is expected to face a decline in export earnings of approximately USD 100–200 million.
Jayasundara made these remarks while participating in the first Certified Productivity Specialist (CPS) certification ceremony held following the accreditation of the National Productivity Secretariat as a Certification Body by the Asian Productivity Organization (APO).
The Certification Body of the National Productivity Secretariat, which operates under the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, awarded certificates to nine Certified Productivity Specialists for 2025. In addition, 34 individuals received the qualification of “Certified Productivity Professional of the National Productivity Secretariat” at the ceremony held yesterday.
Addressing the gathering, Jayasundara revealed that data from the Ministry’s database indicates that nearly 550 direct exporters have been affected by the cyclone. She stressed that it is a collective responsibility to revive these exporters and enable them to resume export activities. Emphasising the way forward, she noted that increasing productivity remains the only viable solution for Sri Lanka to overcome current challenges and sustain economic growth.
She further observed that Sri Lanka’s labour productivity remains at a very low level across key sectors, including agriculture and industry, with similar conditions prevailing in most other sectors. The Secretary highlighted that total factor productivity has recorded negative growth, adding that the Ministry has identified six strategic goals—one of which is to convert total factor productivity into positive growth of at least 3% by 2030, despite the difficulty of achieving this target.
Nevertheless, Jayasundara expressed confidence in reaching this goal, stating that “productivity is an attitude of mind.” She questioned whether the concept of productivity had been properly defined and embraced over the past few decades and stressed the urgent need for a drastic change in mindset to enable national progress.
She added that popularising the concept of productivity across all sectors is essential to strengthening Sri Lanka’s economy. As productivity plays a central role in economic performance, fostering a strong productivity culture is critical to achieving national economic objectives and improving Sri Lanka’s standing in global performance indicators.
The National Productivity Secretariat, the premier government agency responsible for productivity promotion in Sri Lanka, serves as the country’s representative body to the Asian Productivity Organization. The APO has introduced the “Certified Productivity Specialist” certification to enhance the professional standards of productivity practitioners across the region, recognising individuals with high competency in productivity consulting, training, promotion, and research.
Out of the 21 member countries of the APO, Sri Lanka is the 12th nation to implement this certification programme. Other countries currently conducting the certification include Malaysia, Vietnam, Mongolia, Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Iran, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Bangladesh.