Overall Awards
Recognizing excellence, innovation, and outstanding contributions in Sri Lanka's export sector
01
Exporter of the Year
Honours the outstanding achievements of companies demonstrating exceptional export performance during the award year.
02
Net Foreign Exchange Earner of the Year
Recognizes organizations that have significantly contributed to strengthening Sri Lanka's net foreign exchange earnings.
03
Globally Recognized Sri Lankan Brand of the Year
Celebrates Sri Lankan brands that have achieved strong international presence and global recognition.
04
Market Diversified Exporter of the Year
Awards exporters who have successfully expanded into multiple international markets with sustainable growth.
05
Best Exporter in Product Diversification
Best Exporter in Product Diversification award, an exceptional recognition that celebrates the remarkable achievements of export companies in diversifying their export portfolio across a wide range of products. This award acknowledges the innovative thinking, strategic planning, and entrepreneurial spirit demonstrated by exporters who have successfully expanded their product offerings to cater to diverse global markets
06
Best Value-added Exporter of the Year
This Award is presented to recognize the best value added exporting company in the PEA year.
07
Contributor to Sustainable Development in Exports
Sustainable Development in the Export Industry award, recognizes the outstanding efforts and contributions of export companies in promoting sustainable development within the export sector. This award acknowledges the sustainable practices, environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and commitment to long-term economic viability demonstrated by exporters who are driving positive change in their respective industries.
08
Innovative Export Product of the Year
Innovative Export Product of the Year award, a distinguished recognition that celebrates the remarkable achievements of companies in introducing groundbreaking and transformative export products to the global market. This award acknowledges the spirit of innovation, entrepreneurial drive, and relentless pursuit of excellence demonstrated by exporters who have revolutionized their industries through cutting-edge products.
09
Innovative Export Service of the Year
Is a service that recognizes novel or significantly enhanced services developed through systematic research and the application of technologies or methodologies. It provides unique value and improved performance compared to existing services. The service should demonstrate measurable benefits, such as increased efficiency, enhanced customer experience, or reduced costs, ensuring a competitive advantage and /or excellent customer experience.
10
Contributor from the Regions to the Export Supply Chain
The Contributor from the Regions to the Export Supply Chain Award recognizes companies outside the Western Province that strengthen the export supply chain. It honors regional stakeholders, including producers, suppliers, and logistics providers, who enhance efficiency, competitiveness, and collaboration, enabling smooth and effective export-led economic activities and global market access.
11
Best Performing Exporter in Emerging Markets
The Best Performing Exporter in Emerging Markets Award recognizes export companies that have excelled in expanding into and succeeding within emerging global markets. It honors exporters who demonstrate strong market insight, adaptability, and effective penetration strategies, contributing to export growth and new international business opportunities.
12
Woman Exporter of the Year
Woman Exporter of the Year award, a prestigious recognition that celebrates the exceptional achievements and contributions of women in the field of international trade. This award is to encourage and recognize woman entrepreneurs’ contribution in national export development drive and also to enhance women’s full & effective participation in leadership. This award will be applicable only to woman exporters and companies which holds majority of shares by a woman and a woman-led company.
13
Emerging Exporter of the Year
The Emerging Exporter of the Year Award recognizes up-and-coming exporters who have demonstrated strong growth, innovation, and global market expansion. It honors SMEs that have progressed into large-scale exporters during the PEA year, making a significant impact in the international marketplace.
14
Best SME Exporter of the Year-Product sector
The Best SME Exporter of the Year Award recognizes small and medium-sized enterprises that have achieved outstanding success in exporting products to international markets. It honors SMEs that deliver innovative, high-quality, and competitive goods while expanding their global presence and contributing significantly to the growth of the export economy.
15
Best SME Exporter of the Year-Service sector
The Best SME Exporter of the Year Award recognizes small and medium-sized enterprises that have excelled in exporting high-value services to international markets. It honors SMEs that demonstrate innovation, service excellence, and strong global outreach while contributing significantly to the growth and reputation of the country's service exports.
About PEA
The Presidential Export Awards (PEA) stands as the pinnacle of recognition bestowed by Hon. President of Sri Lanka upon exporters who have made exceptional contributions to the country's export sector and economic advancement
Initiated in the year 1981, the Presidential Export Awards (PEA) organized annually by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) to recognize and salute the exporters for the excellence performance in the respective financial year. The awards symbolize the national recognition of the exporters, particularly in non-traditional products and services.
The award winners are evaluated based on their performances during the financial year considered for awarding in terms of Export turnover, Export Proceed repatriation, Net-foreign exchange earnings, market diversification, product diversification, Value addition, Innovations, Sustainable efforts in exports etc.
Selection of the award winners will be done by an eminent Panel of Judges headed by the retired Judge of Supreme Court. Award winners are selected under two categories as Overall Awards and Product/Services sector Awards. Further, Merit Certificates will be awarded for deserving sectors as approved by the Panel of Judges considering the performance of the applicants.
Award winners are presented with a prestigious PEA trophy and a certificate and could enjoy the privilege to use the "PEA logo" as a marketing tool for three years.
The SLEDB extends an invitation to Sri Lankan exporters to submit their applications for consideration as recipients of the 28th Presidential Export Awards - 2026 for the financial years 2025/26
How to Apply?
The applicant companies are required to apply for the awards online for the financial year.
After submitting the duly completed online application, companies are requested to download and print a copy of the application and forward it along with all the relevant documents to the Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer, EDB on or before Wednesday, 22nd July 2026
Click Here to Access the PEA Online Application Portal
Guidelines for the PEA 2025/26
A printed copy of the completed online application must be submitted to the Chairman/CEO of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, accompanied by the following supporting documents.
- Copy of Business Registration / Certificate of Incorporation
- Audited financial statements for the financial year ending 31st March 2026
- Copy of the Form C1 or e- payment receipts (including the No. of employees) in respect of the month of December 2025 issued by the EPF/ETF
- Confirmation from Bank/s receipt of export proceeds for the financial year ending 31st March 2026 as per the Format given in the application Download Format
- Signature of the Applicant (Chairman/ CEO /Partner or Proprietor)
- Validation of information by the Company Auditors with their Rubber Stamp
- If applying for “Globally Outreached Sri Lankan Brand of the Year” Award, attached the copies of
- Brand Registration
- Quality/ Management Certificates
- If applying for “Contributor to Sustainable Development in Exports” Award,
- Evidence for CSR Activities
- If applying for the “Innovative Export Product of the year” Award,
- Copies of IPR Certificates
- Strategic Business Plan for next 3 years
- If applying for the “Organic Agriculture Products” Award,
- Copies of Organic Certificates
- Payment of Application Processing Fee
- A non-refundable application processing fee of Rs. 25,000/= per company for financial year 2025/26 will be charged.
- Please mention your Company ID No. and Payment Reference No. stated in your online application (Eg: PEA222 and EDB514595440) when making the payment.
- One of the following methods can be used to make the payment and the proof of payment should be submitted with the printed copy of the application.
- Online payment through the PEA Application Portal
- Deposit to the EDB bank account
- Account Name: Sri Lanka Export Development Board
- A/C No.: 306605
- Bank: Bank of Ceylon - Lakeview Branch
- Make the payment to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board Finance Division. Cheques should be drawn in favor of "Sri Lanka Export Development Board"
27th Presidential Export Awards
The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) successfully concluded the 27th Presidential Export Awards (PEA) Ceremony on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), under the patronage of Hon. Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, Prime Minister of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
The Presidential Export Award is the highest recognition awarded to Sri Lankan exporters who have made significant contributions to the export sector and the economic development of the country. This awards ceremony aims to honor exporters who have played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka's economic growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Presidential Export Awards
The Presidential Export Awards are open to companies, proprietorship, partnership or any other legal entity registered in Sri Lanka and engaged in export business during 2024/25.
The Presidential Export Awards (PEA) consist of two main categories: Sectoral and Overall Awards.
Therefore, the applicant companies should check the eligibility criteria for the award categories and awards as follows:
Eligibility for Sectoral Awards
A company, proprietorship, partnership or any other legal entity registered in Sri Lanka and engaged in export business during 2024/25 in any of the product and services sectors stated in the list of Sectoral awards (51 Awards).
In addition to the above, criteria for Apparel Sector and Tea Sector will be as follows:
Apparel Sector Awards (2024/25)
- Large Category: Annual Export Turnover >= USD 50 Mn
- Medium Category: Annual Export Turnover >= USD 5 Mn < USD 50 Mn
- Small Category: Annual Export Turnover > USD 0.5 Mn < USD 5 Mn
Tea Sector Awards (2024/25)
- Large Category: Annual Export Turnover >= USD 5.84 Mn
- SME Category: Annual Export Turnover < USD 5.84 Mn
Eligibility for Overall Awards
Eligibility for Overall Awards except "Emerging Exporter of the Year", "Best SME Exporter of the Year", "Women Exporter of the Year" Awards:
- A Company, proprietorship, partnership or any other legal entity registered in Sri Lanka.
- Annual export turnover for the financial year considered for awarding should not be less than USD 5.0 Mn
1.1 Additional Eligibility Criteria for the Overall Award "Net Foreign Exchange Earner of the Year"
Exporters who bring foreign exchange into Sri Lanka through exports and/or offshore operations can apply for this award. Inward remittances should be certified by the company bankers.
1.2 Additional Eligibility Criteria for the Overall Award "Contributor from the Regions to the Export Supply Chain"
The applicant should have established export-led supply, industrial, economic activities or farmer/producer clusters in districts other than the Western Province (Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara).
1.3 Additional Eligibility Criteria for the Overall Award "Innovative Export Product of the Year & Innovative Export Service of the Year"
Innovative products/services exported for the first time during the PEA year (2024/25) will be considered.
Note: Short-listed applicants will be interviewed by the PEA Panel of Judges.
1.4 Additional Eligibility Criteria for the Overall Award "Woman Exporter of the Year"
This award is applicable only to:
- Women exporters
- Companies with majority shares held by a woman and woman-led companies
Note: Short-listed applicants will be interviewed by the PEA Panel of Judges.
1.5 Additional Eligibility Criteria for the Overall Award "Emerging Exporter of the Year"
- A company, proprietorship, partnership or legal entity registered in Sri Lanka
- Was an SME exporter in past years and scaled up to a large exporter during 2024/25
- Annual Export Turnover =< USD 3.36 Mn for past years and > USD 3.36 Mn in 2024/25
- Average Exchange Rate of USD during the PEA financial year has been considered
- Subsidiary companies engaging in different export businesses of the parent company may apply
1.6 Additional Eligibility Criteria for the Overall Award "Best SME Exporter of the Year - Product Sector"
- Registered company, proprietorship, partnership or legal entity in Sri Lanka
- Engaged in export of tangible goods manufactured, processed or value-added in Sri Lanka
- Annual Export Turnover =< USD 3.36 Mn (past and current years)
- Number of employees =< 200
- Average Exchange Rate of USD during the PEA financial year considered
1.7 Additional Eligibility Criteria for the Overall Award "Best SME Exporter of the Year - Services Sector"
- Registered company, proprietorship, partnership or legal entity in Sri Lanka
- Engaged in export of intangible services primarily delivered from Sri Lanka
- Annual Export Turnover =< USD 3.36 Mn (past and current years)
- Number of employees =< 200
- Average Exchange Rate of USD during the PEA financial year considered
Application should be filled online. Online Application Portal could be accessed through the following link.
A printed copy of the downloaded online application should be submitted to the Chairman/CEO of Sri Lanka Export Development Board along with the following supporting documents:
- Copy of Business Registration / Certificate of Incorporation
- Audited financial statements for the financial year ending 2024/25
- Copy of the Form C1 or e-payment receipts (including the No. of employees) in respect of the month of issued by the EPF/ETF
- Confirmation from Bank/s receipt of export proceeds for the financial year ending as per the Format given in the application
- Signature of the Applicant (Chairman/ CEO /Partner or Proprietor)
- Validation of information by the Company Auditors with their Rubber Stamp
-
If applying for "Globally Outreached Sri Lankan Brand of the Year" Award, attached the copies of:
- Brand Registration
- Quality/ Management Certificates
-
If applying for "Contributor to Sustainable Development in Exports" Award:
- Copies of Environmental & Sustainability Certifications
- Evidence for CSR Activities
-
If applying for the "Innovative Export Product of the year" Award:
- Copies of IPR Certificates
- Strategic Business Plan for next 3 years
-
If applying for the "Organic Agriculture Products" Award:
- Copies of Organic Certificates
A total of 15 Overall Awards are to be given during the 27th Presidential Export Awards Ceremony. They are as follows:
- Exporter of the Year
- Net Foreign Exchange Earner of the Year
- Globally Outreached Sri Lankan Brand of the Year
- Market Diversified Exporter of the Year
- Best Exporter in Product Diversification
- Best Value-added Exporter of the Year
- Contributor to Sustainable Development in Export Industry
- Innovative Export Product of the Year
- Innovative Export Service of the Year
- Contributor from the Regions to the Export Supply Chain
- Best Performing Exporter in Emerging Markets
- Woman Exporter of the Year
- Emerging Exporter of the Year
- Best SME Exporter of the Year - Product Sector
- Best SME Exporter of the Year - Service Sector
Industrial Products (25 Awards)
- Apparel - Large
- Apparel - Medium
- Apparel - Small
- Hosiery
- Knitted Fabric
- Dry Rubber Products
- Latex Rubber Products
- Ship Building & Repairs
- Boat & Pleasure Craft Building
- Gems
- Diamond
- Jewellery
- Ceramics & Porcelain Based Products
- Furniture & Wooden Products
- Chemical & Paint Products
- Handloom, Crafts & Lifestyle Products
- Toys, Games & Sport Requisites
- Footwear & Leather Products
- Light Engineering Products
- Transport & Automobile Components
- Value Added Minerals
- Electronics & Electrical Products
- Stationery & Paper Products
- Packaging
- Pharmaceuticals
Agricultural & Fisheries Products (18 Awards)
- Tea - Large
- Tea - SME
- Processed Food
- Beverages
- Cereal & Confectionery
- Processed Fruits, Nuts & Vegetables
- Fresh Fruits, Nuts & Vegetables
- Seafood & Aquaculture Products
- Ornamental Fish
- Spices & Allied Products
- Essential Oils, Oleoresin & Condiments
- Herbal & Ayurveda Products
- Floriculture
- Coconut Kernel Products
- Coconut Shell Products
- Coconut Substrate Products
- Coconut Fiber Products
- Organic Agriculture Products
Export Services (8 Awards)
- ICT
- BPM/KPM
- Logistic Services
- Hub Operations & Entrepot Trade
- Wellness & Health Services
- Marine & Offshore Services
- Education Services
- Construction Services
You cannot apply for the Merit Certificates. The Merit Certificates will be awarded for deserving sectors as approved by the PEA Panel of Judges considering the contribution of those sectors to the total exports in PEA year and the performance of the applicant companies.
An application fee of Rs. 25,000/= per company will be charged per financial year.
One of the following methods can be used to make the payment and the proof of payment should be submitted with the printed copy of the application.
-
Make the payment online through the PEA Online Application Portal
(5% Bank Service Charge will be applicable) -
Deposit/transfer to the EDB bank account(Please mention your Company ID No. stated in your online application-Company Name (Eg: PEA222-Company Name):
Account Name: Sri Lanka Export Development Board
A/C No.: 306605
Bank: Bank of Ceylon - Lakeview Branch -
Make the payment directly to the EDB Finance Division.
Cheques should be drawn in favour of "Sri Lanka Export Development Board".
You may contact the following officials for any clarifications regarding the application:
- Ms. Saumya Kannagara-Deputy Director-Market Development 011-2300721
- Ms. Apsara Arampath-Assistant Director-Market Development 011-2300722 or 011-2300705-11, Ext: 271
- Ms. Manuka Perera-Assistant Director-Market Development 011-2300722 or 011-2300705-11, Ext: 267
- The preliminary evaluation of the award winners will be done by a Screening Committee comprising senior EDB officials, an officer from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and an officer from Sri Lanka Customs.
- The final selection of the Award winners will be made by an eminent panel of Judges chaired by a retired Judge of the Supreme Court.
Ms. Saumya Kannangara-Deputy Director-Market Development 011-2300721
Ms. Chandima Weerarathne-Assistant Director-Market Development 011-2300722 or 011-2300705-11, Ext: 253
Ms. Sirini Dissanayake-Export Promotion Officer-Market Development 011-2300722 or 011-2300705-11, Ext: 259
Contact Us
You can use any of the below methods to get in touch with the EDB in Sri Lanka. We should be able to provide you with assistance related to PEA and answer any questions you may have.
Get in touch
Location:
No. 42 Nawam Mawatha, Colombo-02, Sri Lanka
Email:
awards@edb.gov.lk
saumya@edb.gov.lk
chandimaw@edb.gov.lk
sirinisd@edb.gov.lk
Call:
Ms. Saumya Kannangara:011-2300722 or 011-2300705-11 Ext: 268
Ms. Chandima Weerarathne :011-2300722 or 011-2300705-11 Ext: 253
Ms. Sirini Dissanayake :011-2300722 or 011-2300705-11 Ext: 259