SAPB Export Promotion Officer
As an EDB export promotion officer you are Sri Lanka's ambassador for its most iconic products — connecting the cinnamon, tea, and coconut produced by hundreds of thousands of farmers with buyers in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.”
About This Role
Works at the Spice & Allied Products Bureau (SAPB) promoting Sri Lankan spice exports through trade fairs, buyer missions, and market intelligence. Issues export quality certificates, conducts exporter registration, and coordinates with the EDB (Export Development Board). Government role with overseas travel to food trade shows (Anuga Cologne, SIAL Paris, Gulfood Dubai).
A Day in the Life
Promote and market Sri Lanka's agricultural exports (cinnamon, pepper, coconut products, tea, rubber) to international buyers as an export promotion officer under the Export Development Board (EDB) or Sri Lanka Export Promotion Authority.
- Organise Sri Lankan pavilions at international trade fairs (SIAL, Anuga, Gulf Food)
- Facilitate buyer-seller meetings between foreign buyers and Sri Lankan exporters
- Provide market intelligence on export opportunities and regulatory requirements
- Assist new exporters with EDB registration and certification processes
- Promote Sri Lanka's geographical indication (GI) products (Ceylon cinnamon, Ceylon tea)
- Coordinate with Spice Council, Tea Board, and Coconut Development Authority on promotion activities
- Prepare country brochures, product catalogues, and digital marketing content
Work Environment
EDB head office (Colombo 3, Galle Road) or Sri Lanka Trade and Investment Promotion offices overseas. Combines office work with significant international travel to trade fairs.
Typical hours: 45h/week · WLB score 7/10 · OCCASIONAL overtime
Government structured hours with good benefits. International trade fairs require intensive travel periods. Prestigious role with international exposure.
Skills Required
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Tools & Software
Salary in Sri Lanka (LKR / month)
Typical progression: 3yr to mid · 10yr to senior
Global Salary (USD / year)
Top Markets
Market Outlook
STABLE
EDB is a key government body supporting Sri Lanka's export ambitions. With government focus on increasing export revenue to USD 30 billion, export promotion officers are central to the strategy.
Hiring: LOW
STABLE
Government trade promotion expertise is transferable to international organisations (ITC, UNCTAD, WTO Advisory Centre).
Entry Requirements
Sri Lanka
Preferred
Global
Preferred
Helpful Certifications
Risks & Challenges
AI / Automation Risk
LOW
LONG TERM
Burnout Risk
LOW
Job Security (SL)
HIGH
Trade relationship building, buyer-seller facilitation, and market development require human networking that cannot be automated.
Burnout Causes
Physical Health Risks
Mental Health Risks
How to Mitigate
- Develop deep knowledge of one or two product sectors (cinnamon, tea) to become the specialist
- Build strong ITC TradeMap and trade data analysis skills
- Seek international trade fair postings early for career acceleration
Is This Career For You?
Outgoing, commercially aware graduate with strong English communication and genuine passion for Sri Lankan agricultural heritage who wants a career combining international engagement with meaningful national development work.
Personality Types
Core Motivations
What You'll Love
- Representing Sri Lanka's export products on the world stage
- International travel and relationship building
- Meaningful contribution to national economic development
What's Challenging
- Government bureaucracy
- Limited salary compared to private sector
- Slow career progression in government service