New criteria introduced for NCE Export Awards

The 32nd NCE Export Awards will be held on December 6, at Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo.

The National Chamber of Exporters (NCE) of Sri Lanka has announced a significant change in its award structure for the prestigious NCE Export Awards, effective from this year. Going forward, only one Gold, Silver, and a Bronze award will be conferred to the top performers in Sri Lanka’s export sector.

This is a departure from previous years where one Gold, two Silver and three Bronze awards were presented across various categories.

The decision, taken by the NCE Management Committee, is aimed at further enhancing the credibility of the awards and distinguishing the highest achievers in the industry.

According to the President of the NCE, Jayantha Karunaratne, this adjustment reflects the chamber’s commitment to setting an even higher standard of excellence in recognising Sri Lankan exporters.

He explained that as the export sector evolves and becomes increasingly competitive, it is essential to adapt and refine the criteria for recognizing excellence.

“We have always taken great pride in the NCE Export Awards, but we must continue to raise the bar.”

“The decision to reduce the number of awards was not made lightly, but with the clear intention of preserving the integrity of the awards and ensuring that only the very best performers are celebrated.”

He further explained that conferring fewer awards enhances the exclusivity of winning. “When a company receives an NCE Export Award, it should be recognized not just locally, but on a global stage.”

“By limiting the awards we are reinforcing that these awards are truly for those who have excelled at the highest level, both in terms of performance and ethical business practices.”

Karunaratne also highlighted the broader impact of this decision on the export sector. “By elevating the standards for recognition, we are sending a clear message to Sri Lankan exporters: aim higher, innovate, and uphold the highest standards of excellence.”

According to Karunaratne, the move also aligns with the NCE’s long-term vision of positioning Sri Lanka as a leading player in the global export market. “As we work towards strengthening our global presence, it’s important that the awards we present stand as a symbol of Sri Lankan excellence,” he said.

NCE Secretary General and CEO Shiham Marikar, said; “The NCE Export Awards have always been regarded as the pinnacle of recognition in the export industry. However, we felt it was time to raise the benchmark even further.”

“By reducing the number of awards, we ensure that only the best of the best are honored. This move emphasizes the prestige associated with winning and reinforces our commitment to fostering a culture of high performance and accountability within the export community.”

Marikar further explained; “We are continually looking to improve the standards by which we evaluate success. By streamlining the awards, we bring ourselves in line with global standards for award-giving bodies, which typically focus on highlighting only the very top performers.”

The NCE’s decision stems from a desire to align the awards with global standards and to ensure that recipients truly represent the pinnacle of Sri Lanka’s export capabilities.

Ultimately, the introduction of this new award structure not only raises the benchmark for excellence in Sri Lanka’s export industry but also ensures that the NCE Export Awards continue to symbolize the highest standards of achievement, innovation, and ethical business practices.