Sri Lanka's exports to China grew 33 percent from January to February this year compared to the same period last year, according to provisional statistics released by the Export Development Board (EDB) on March 23.

Revenue from exports to China in the first two months of the year grew from $35.84 million in 2020 to $47.71 million in 2021.

Total export earnings for the month of February stood at $993.73 million in February, up 2.53 percent year on year. The figure is the highest export revenue for February in the last five years, the EDB said.

"Sri Lankans are strong in facing challenges, and the exporters have shouldered the task of placing the economy of the country on the right track with immense difficulties," EDB Chairman Suresh De Mel said in a statement.

Export growth for February was backed by increased demand for electrical and electronic components, and rubber gloves, with markets in China, Canada, the Netherlands, and Spain performing well.