The SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub has taken a landmark step toward inclusive trade development with the launch of two sector-specific export handbooks written in Sinhala and Tamil. The initiative, spearheaded by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the British High Commission in Colombo, is designed to equip women entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with the practical knowledge needed to access and succeed in the United Kingdom market. By delivering critical export guidance in local languages, the program removes one of the most persistent barriers that has long prevented grassroots businesses from participating meaningfully in global trade.
A Milestone for Inclusive Trade in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's export sector has historically been dominated by larger, more established enterprises with the resources to navigate complex international trade regulations, documentation requirements, and market entry strategies. Women-led businesses and smaller enterprises, particularly those operating outside of Colombo, have often found themselves excluded from these opportunities — not due to a lack of quality products or entrepreneurial drive, but because of limited access to information in languages they are most comfortable using.
The launch of these handbooks directly addresses that gap. By presenting export-related knowledge in Sinhala and Tamil, the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub ensures that entrepreneurs across the country — including those in rural and semi-urban areas — can access the same caliber of trade intelligence previously available only to those with strong English proficiency or access to expensive consultants. This is a significant step toward democratizing international trade participation in Sri Lanka.
What the Handbooks Cover
The two export handbooks are sector-specific, meaning they are tailored to the types of products and industries where Sri Lankan women entrepreneurs and SMEs are most active. The handbooks provide comprehensive guidance on a range of critical topics, including understanding UK import regulations, meeting product standards and certification requirements, packaging and labeling compliance, logistics and shipping considerations, and how to identify and approach potential buyers in the United Kingdom.
Beyond regulatory compliance, the handbooks also offer strategic market insights into consumer preferences and purchasing behaviors in the UK, helping Sri Lankan exporters position their products competitively. For many small business owners, this kind of market intelligence has historically been out of reach. The handbooks bridge that knowledge gap in a format that is both accessible and actionable.
The Role of Key Partners
The collaboration behind this initiative reflects a strong alignment of institutional priorities. The Sri Lanka Export Development Board, as the host institution of the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub, has long championed efforts to diversify the country's export base and bring more women into the formal trade ecosystem. The EDB's involvement ensures that the handbooks are grounded in practical, locally relevant knowledge while meeting international standards of accuracy and completeness.
The International Trade Centre, a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, brings its global expertise in trade facilitation and SME development to the project. The ITC's SheTrades initiative, which operates hubs in numerous countries around the world, is specifically focused on connecting women entrepreneurs to international markets, providing them with tools, networks, and resources to compete globally.
The British High Commission in Colombo's participation underscores the United Kingdom's commitment to fostering stronger trade ties with Sri Lanka, particularly in the post-Brexit landscape where the UK has been actively seeking to build new bilateral trade relationships with developing economies. The UK market represents a significant opportunity for Sri Lankan exporters, given the existing cultural and historical connections between the two countries, as well as the UK's strong demand for high-quality products in categories where Sri Lanka excels, such as tea, textiles, spices, and handicrafts.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs at the Grassroots Level
One of the most transformative aspects of this initiative is its deliberate focus on women entrepreneurs. Women-owned and women-led businesses in Sri Lanka often operate in the informal economy, producing goods of exceptional quality but lacking the formal structures and knowledge systems needed to export. By targeting this demographic with language-appropriate resources, the SheTrades Sri Lanka Hub is not only supporting individual business growth but also contributing to broader economic empowerment goals.
Access to export knowledge in one's native language can be genuinely transformative. It builds confidence, reduces dependence on intermediaries, and enables entrepreneurs to make informed decisions about their businesses. These handbooks have the potential to serve as foundational reference tools for a new generation of Sri Lankan exporters.
A Broader Vision for Sri Lanka's Export Future
The launch of the Sinhala and Tamil export handbooks is more than a standalone project — it reflects a broader vision for a more inclusive, resilient, and diversified Sri Lankan export economy. As the country continues its economic recovery and looks to expand its international trade footprint, initiatives like this one play a crucial role in ensuring that growth is shared across communities, regions, and demographics. With the right tools and support, Sri Lanka's women entrepreneurs and SMEs are well-positioned to become powerful contributors to the nation's export success story.