Veteran Export Professional Dr. Kingsley Bernard assumed Chairmanship of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) on April 3. He succeeds the outgoing Chairman Suresh D de Mel who ended his tenure last month.
Addressing the EDB staff upon assuming duties, the new EDB Chief said that a quantum leap in export performance is necessary and that the country must strive towards introducing products based on innovation and advanced technology to its export portfolio.
Bernard added that Sri Lanka’s achievement in exports is commendable, however, he pointed out that the progress in exports over the last decade has been slow compared to regional peers such as Bangladesh and Vietnam, and he requested the commitment and assistance of all employees within the board to develop the country’s exports.
Bernard had an illustrious career - spanning more than three decades - in the corporate sector holding numerous responsible positions in export-related entities. He was also the former Director-Marketing of EDB during early 90s, in which period he was involved in holding highly successful international exhibitions – Expo 92 and Expo 94. The new EDB Chairman is acclaimed for his noteworthy contribution to the development of exports in Sri Lanka, having held the positions of Management Consultant of Sri Lanka Export Credit Insurance Corporation (SLECIC), Vice President of the Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka (EASL) - the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and President of the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka (NCE). During his stint as CEO of Dankotuwa Porcelain PLC, the company was adjudged the ‘Most Outstanding Exporter of the Year’ for three consecutive years at the NCE Export Awards. An academic, Bernard also held several other top government and private sector positions.
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