COLOMBO, 20 August 2026 – Sri Lanka’s Parliament is set to advance crucial reforms within its agricultural export sector with the recent presentation of the “Promotion of Export Agriculture (Amendment) Bill.” Tabled by the Minister of Agriculture, Livestock, Land and Irrigation on August 7, 2026, this bill, identified as 60/2026, seeks to amend the foundational Promotion of Export Agriculture Act, No. 46 of 1992, signaling a strategic push towards enhancing the nation’s export capabilities.
The proposed legislative changes, which were first published in the Gazette on June 25, 2026, aim to streamline administrative structures and refine the scope of what constitutes an ‘Export Agricultural Crop,’ thereby providing a clearer direction for policy and investment in the vital sector.
Streamlining Leadership for Greater Efficiency
One of the significant administrative changes introduced by the amendment bill involves a general substitution of the expression “Director” with “Director General” wherever it appears in the principal enactment (Clause 2). This change implies a potential elevation or restructuring of the top administrative role within the Promotion of Export Agriculture framework, likely aimed at bolstering leadership and decision-making capacity.
Furthermore, consequential amendments to sections 3 and 4 of the principal enactment expand the hierarchy of officials. The bill proposes to substitute “Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors” with a more comprehensive list including “Additional Director Generals, Directors, Deputy Directors and Assistant Directors.” This expansion suggests an intention to establish a more robust and multi-tiered administrative structure, potentially allowing for greater specialization and oversight in promoting agricultural exports across the island.
Redefining ‘Export Agricultural Crop’ for Strategic Focus
Perhaps the most impactful amendment is the substitution of a new definition for “Export Agricultural Crop” in section 19 of the principal enactment (Clause 5). The revised definition aims to sharpen the focus of the Act:
““Export Agricultural Crop” means any crop identified as a crop that have an export potential in addition to the local consumption other than paddy, vegetables, fruits, root crops and additional food crops belonging to the category of food crops and declared by the Minister in charge of the subject as “a notified agricultural crop” under section 2 of this Act and shall not include any crop identified as a plantation crop ; ”
This new definition is crucial as it specifically carves out traditional staple crops like paddy, common vegetables, fruits, root crops, and other food crops primarily for local consumption. It also explicitly excludes “plantation crops,” which are typically governed under separate regulatory frameworks. By doing so, the amendment bill seeks to direct the resources, policies, and incentives of the Promotion of Export Agriculture Act towards crops specifically identified for their “export potential” beyond domestic needs, as declared by the Minister. This provides greater flexibility and strategic targeting for developing niche markets and high-value agricultural exports.
Driving Economic Growth Through Targeted Agricultural Exports
The “Promotion of Export Agriculture (Amendment) Bill” comes at a time when Sri Lanka is keen on diversifying its export basket and boosting foreign exchange earnings. By refining the administrative structure and, more importantly, clarifying the definition of export agricultural crops, the government aims to create a more focused and efficient ecosystem for growers and exporters. This legislative update is expected to facilitate targeted support, research, and development for crops that hold significant promise in international markets, ultimately contributing to the nation’s economic resilience and growth.
The bill, numbered 75, is now set to undergo further parliamentary deliberation before becoming law, marking a significant step in Sri Lanka’s journey to elevate its agricultural export standing.
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