The Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) will launch an Export Coaching Programme for IT outsourcing companies in order to help them locate and retain customers in the EU.

The programme, to go live mid 2008, will seek to identify and benchmark strong service providers in Sri Lanka to introduce them to the European market, providing matchmaking and promotion opportunities whilst aiding European end-users in their offshore outsourcing buying decisions.

While the Sri Lankan ITO industry has shown steady growth in the last few years, according to Central Bank statistics, IT services exports total just US$182 million. The programme will encourage small to medium sized Sri Lankan IT enterprises to promote themselves to the European market and increase the prominence of the country as an ITO player.