Govt. to roll out ‘Four-i’ productivity program countrywide for SMEs next year

Monday, 18 August 2025 01:51 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe - Pic by Lasantha Kumara

Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe says initiative aims to cut costs, improve quality, boost customer satisfaction, and drive sustainable growth
Highlights Gampaha District trial saw up to 30% cost savings and significant efficiency gains
Asserts 1,000 SMEs undergoing a 3-year transformation with internationally trained consultants
Calls for public to support education reforms to include entrepreneurship in national school curriculum from 2026 to build future business skills

Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe recently announced that the Ministry will expand its flagship “Four-i” Program pioneered by the National Productivity Secretariat (NPS) to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the country by 2026.

Delivering the keynote address at the Rotary-AMCHAM SME Conclave 2025 organised by the Rotary Club of Colombo Port City and the American Chamber of Commerce (AMCHAM) Sri Lanka, he said the initiative is designed for businesses ready to embrace change.

“The program aims to introduce productivity concepts that can reduce operational costs, improve product quality, increase customer satisfaction and drive sustainable growth,” Abeysinghe said.

The Deputy Minister noted that while such concepts are fundamental to global success stories like Toyota and local leaders such as MAS Holdings, awareness among Sri Lankan SMEs remains minimal.

“The Four-i Program gives selected SMEs access to years of free consultancy, covering systems management, inventory minimisation, technology integration, waste reduction and accurate cost analysis,” he said.

Initially piloted in Gampaha District, the program delivered “highly successful” results, with participating businesses saving up to 30% in costs and improving efficiency through lean and Six Sigma techniques. The nationwide rollout will begin with selected districts, before expanding fully by 2026.

“The first phase will be open to only 1,000 SMEs, each undergoing a three-year transformation process with dedicated consultants trained to international standards. Businesses must apply and demonstrate their commitment to qualify, while those not selected will still have access to other NPS programs,” he explained.

Abeysinghe also linked the initiative to broader economic reforms, particularly in education. “From 2026, entrepreneurship will be integrated into the national curriculum, equipping students with skills to start and scale businesses. If we don’t reform education now, Sri Lanka will not change,” he warned, calling for public support to overcome expected resistance.

The Deputy Minister also pledged a level playing field for all businesses, stressing that market manipulation and political favouritism would not be tolerated. Digital transformation, streamlined processes, and improved tax collection are also on the Government’s agenda to strengthen the business environment.

“This is not just about one program, it’s a progression. If we get this right, we can transform Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in the global market,” Abeysinghe said.