EDB paves way for export industries in Western province to continue operations

The Export Development Board (EDB) said efforts are being taken to ensure that the operations of export industries located in the Western province continue without interruption.

To carry out the operations during the extended curfew period, the companies falling under the Board of Investment (BOI) are required to reach out to the agency for the necessary arrangements to be made, whereas the non-BOI exporters are advised to obtain a letter from the EDB, with instructions on the guidelines to adhere to when carrying out operations.

The exporters are required to take all safety precautions recommended by the health authorities to manage COVID-19 and need to assure implementation of safety measures as per the ‘Guidelines on COVID-19, preparedness for workplaces’, dated April 2, 2020, issued by the Health Ministry.

The exporters should also adhere to the additional guidelines announced by the authorities, according to the prevailing situation, the EDB said.

The EDB stated that the letters issued by the managing director or an authorised officer of export companies to the employees, along with their National Identity Card (NIC) or company identity card and a copy of the EDB letter, could be used as curfew passes to travel to workplaces in curfew areas, according to the new guidelines issued by the Police Department.

The EDB highlighted that the measure has been taken by the government considering the importance of continuing export operations and its contribution to the national economy.

It stressed that it is the responsibility of the relevant company to take the required precautionary measures to protect the employees, staff, and the public.