Sri Lanka, Dec. 23 -- By Jekhan Aruliah

We have heard it so many times, "We must export more!". We have heard it from politicians and economists and assorted commentators of assorted quality through miscellaneous channels. "We must export more" deserves the internet acronym SOTBO. Internet slang for a "Statement Of The Bleeding Obvious". A statement so basic, so self-evident, why say it? We already know it. What are we doing about it?

For the country as a whole exports are obviously vital. Not only do exports bring us foreign currency. Selling only within Sri Lanka is a very limited and crowded opportunity. Exports offer a virtually infinite market. But there is even more to exporting than that.

Exporting brings us more than only dolla...