I still remember the day I first heard about the potential of Sri Lanka's export industry. It was back in 2017, and the country was facing several challenges, including the aftermath of the tsunami and the Easter Sunday attacks. However, despite these setbacks, the export community persevered and continued to thrive.
Fast-forward to today, and we see that Sri Lanka's export earnings have exceeded $17 billion in 2025, with apparel and textiles being the largest contributor. This is a testament to the resilience and determination of the country's exporters. The National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka has played a significant role in promoting and recognizing the achievements of these exporters through the NCE Export Awards.
The NCE Export Awards
The NCE Export Awards are a national platform that recognizes, honors, motivates, and rewards the outstanding achievements of Sri Lankan exporters. The awards have been held every year since their inception, despite the several crises that have tested the export community. This year marks the 34th edition of the awards, and applications are now open until September 30, 2026.
- The awards recognize exporters in various categories, including products, business and professional services, and suppliers to exporters.
- There are four turnover-based categories, from Small (under LKR 100 million in annual export turnover) to Extra Large (above LKR 1.5 billion).
- Two new sectors, Beauty and Personal Care and Stationery, have been added this year, taking the total number of eligible sectors to 40.
The judging framework for the awards weighs financial and export performance alongside market development, branding, ethical business practice, good governance, and human resource development. Special recognition is given to innovation, value addition, and research and development. The awards are a way for companies to build their reputation and set themselves apart from competitors.
The Web3 Angle
So, what does this mean for the crypto and web3 community? As I've seen before, the growth of a country's export industry can have a positive impact on the adoption of digital assets and blockchain technology. With Sri Lanka's export earnings on the rise, we may see an increase in the use of stablecoins and other digital currencies for cross-border transactions. This could also lead to more opportunities for blockchain-based solutions in the export industry, such as supply chain management and trade finance.
- The use of blockchain technology can increase transparency and efficiency in the export industry.
- Digital assets can provide a faster and more secure way for exporters to receive payments.
- The growth of the export industry can lead to more investment in blockchain and web3 technologies.
Our Take
As a crypto veteran, I've seen this before - the growth of a country's export industry can have a positive impact on the adoption of digital assets and blockchain technology. However, what many newcomers don't realize is that this growth also brings new challenges and risks. As the export industry continues to thrive, it's essential for exporters to be aware of the potential benefits and drawbacks of using digital assets and blockchain technology.
In conclusion, the NCE Export Awards are a significant event for Sri Lanka's export industry, and the growth of this industry can have a positive impact on the adoption of digital assets and blockchain technology. As we move forward, it's essential to be aware of the potential benefits and drawbacks of using these technologies and to prioritize transparency, security, and efficiency.
