Sri Lanka’s export sector has suffered widespread damage from recent severe weather, raising concerns about the country’s fragile economic recovery, the National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) said.
Issuing a statement, the NCE said prolonged disruption to exports which provide vital foreign exchange and employment could have far-reaching consequences for the economy.
“Sri Lanka is already navigating a fragile economic recovery, and any prolonged disruption to export activities will have far-reaching consequences,” it said.
The NCE said floods and heavy rainfall have affected numerous production facilities, damaging machinery, equipment, stocks and infrastructure.
Many exporters have halted operations, disrupting production cycles and delaying fulfillment of international orders.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in particular, face financial strain and risk losing market access.
“Early indications reveal that many exporters have been heavily impacted…Supply chains, including transport routes, storage facilities, and labour access, have been disrupted. Any significant delay in shipments can result in cancelled contracts, loss of market access, and long-term setbacks for companies who have invested years in building their reputations,” it said.
Shiham Marikar, NCE Secretary General and CEO, said the chamber is collecting on-the-ground information from affected exporters and urged the government to coordinate relief measures.
“A swift and coordinated recovery plan is essential for ensuring that Sri Lanka does not lose its hard-earned market access and global competitiveness,” he said.
The trade deficit widened sharply in October, rising to $1.007 billion from $544.4 million a year earlier, as import growth outpaced exports.
The NCE said weather-related disruptions have already affected shipments, particularly for SMEs and smaller exporters who lack the financial resilience to recover quickly.
The chamber called on authorities to provide financial assistance, expedite repairs, and facilitate exporters struggling to meet shipment deadlines to maintain Sri Lanka’s economic resilience and international market presence.
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