Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, speaks to Emirates Reporter in an Exclusive interview at Gulfood 2026, outlining Sri Lanka’s strategy to accelerate food and beverage exports and deepen its footprint across Middle East markets. Here are the highlights from the conversation.
E.R- How does Sri Lanka’s largest-ever pavilion at Gulfood 2026, featuring 61 companies, reflect the country’s broader strategy to grow its food and beverage exports in the Middle East and globally?
Mangala Wijesinghe- Sri Lanka’s 510-square-meter pavilion, the largest it has ever presented at Gulfood, is a clear reflection of the country’s ambition to expand its food and beverage footprint in the Middle East and beyond. Hosting 61 companies, including 33 SMEs and several first-time exporters, demonstrates Sri Lanka’s commitment to both scale and diversity in its exports. The pavilion highlights a strategic shift from traditional commodity exports toward value-added, branded products that meet the rising expectations of international buyers, positioning Sri Lanka as a reliable, high-quality supplier in key growth markets like the UAE, GCC, and MEASA region.
E.R- What unique opportunities does the Gulfood platform provide for smaller exporters to gain international visibility and build long-term relationships with buyers in the UAE and wider GCC?
Mangala Wijesinghe- Gulfood is an unparalleled platform for smaller exporters to gain exposure to global buyers in a concentrated, high-impact setting. For SMEs and first-time exporters, the pavilion provides direct access to international retailers, distributors, and procurement leaders, enabling them to showcase innovative products and secure commercial interest that might otherwise take years to develop. Supported by EDB initiatives, such as pre-fair capacity-building programs and partial cost support, these smaller companies can leverage Gulfood to build long-term partnerships, receive real-time feedback, and position themselves as credible, competitive players in the GCC market.
Sri Lankan Pavilion at GULFOOD 2026
E.R- Beyond individual products, how does the collective presence of 61 Sri Lankan companies at the pavilion strengthen the “Brand Sri Lanka” narrative and promote the country as a reliable source of premium food and beverage products?
Mangala Wijesinghe- The pavilion’s scale and diversity amplify the “Brand Sri Lanka” narrative by presenting a unified story of quality, heritage, and innovation. Collectively, the 61 exhibitors showcase a wide array of premium and value-added products, from Ceylon tea and spices to coconut-based foods and ready-to-eat meals, underscoring the country’s commitment to traceability, sustainability, and international standards. This collective presence reinforces Sri Lanka’s credibility as a dependable exporter capable of delivering consistency, variety, and innovation, making it easier for buyers to see the country as a strategic, long-term sourcing partner.
E.R- How are Sri Lankan exporters tailoring products, packaging, and branding to meet the evolving tastes, health-conscious preferences, and convenience needs of consumers in the region?
Mangala Wijesinghe- Sri Lankan exporters are innovating to meet the Middle East’s increasingly sophisticated consumer demands. Products are being tailored with convenient formats, modern and sustainable packaging, and branding that highlights authenticity and quality. There is a strong focus on health-conscious and functional offerings, such as organic snacks, herbal beverages, and ready-to-eat or ready-to-cook solutions, which appeal to busy lifestyles without compromising on taste or nutrition. These adaptations allow exporters to remain competitive, resonate with regional consumers, and strengthen buyer confidence in the reliability and premium positioning of Sri Lankan products.
E.R- Beyond showcasing products, how is Sri Lanka using live demonstrations, tastings, and interactive experiences to create memorable engagement for buyers and consumers at Gulfood?
Mangala Wijesinghe- The pavilion integrates interactive experiences to bring Sri Lankan products to life. Live cooking demonstrations and Ceylon tea tastings allow visitors to experience flavors, quality, and versatility firsthand, making the products more tangible and memorable. These activations not only highlight product innovation and culinary heritage but also create opportunities for direct engagement between exporters and buyers, fostering stronger relationships and trust. By combining experiential marketing with business matchmaking, Sri Lanka ensures that its pavilion delivers both commercial impact and a lasting impression on the regional market.
