🎨 Sri Lanka Shifts Strategy: Building a Creative Economy Beyond Craft Preservation 📈

Sri Lanka is shifting its approach from simple craft preservation toward a high-value contemporary creative economy, driving diversification and export growth. • Key Targets & Sector Focus: • Government targets handloom exports to reach US$ 100 million or more, shifting beyond traditional products like sarees. • Focus expands across key material traditions including batik, jewellery, ceramics, wood, and fibre to drive job creation, IP, and innovation. • Strategic Initiatives & Scaling: • Creative Sri Lanka 2030: Developed with EDB, mentorship programs matched Sri Lankan brands with global designers, securing export orders from Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and the UK. • Umbrella Model: EDB is scaling up by linking established exporters with 40 to 50 SMEs, local artisans, and hybrid product designers. • CELE: The Chamber of Ethical Lifestyle Enterprises was formed to provide shared infrastructure, helping small businesses manage regulation, EU Digital Product Passport compliance, and global networks. • Market & Ecosystem Growth: • Moving away from low-value souvenirs toward value-addition, material innovation (e.g., local fibre and cotton supply chains), and design technology. • Diversifying focus by targeting regional trade ecosystems like India alongside Western export destinations.