Friday Aug 29, 2025
Friday Aug 29, 2025
Thursday, 28 August 2025 03:51 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
A review of projects implemented under the 2025 Budgetary allocations of the Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry, together with the pre-Budget discussion for 2026, was held yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
The discussions focused extensively on programs carried out by the Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry and its affiliated institutions. They also addressed challenges and issues faced, as well as future plans aimed at enhancing the contribution of the industrial and production sectors to the country’s GDP. Emphasis was placed on strengthening entrepreneurship and increasing export revenue.
Particular attention was given to the establishment of industrial zones, the provision of concessionary loans for small and medium-scale entrepreneurs (SMEs), and improving facilities in the export sector. The meeting also addressed challenges faced in developing high-impact land for industrial purposes and allocating it to investors, as well as possible solutions to issues affecting both industrialists and the Industries Ministry.
Concerns were raised regarding difficulties in granting concessionary loans to SMEs. It was agreed that the Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry and the Finance Ministry would work jointly to resolve these concerns.
Problems relating to the Sevanagala and Pelwatte sugar factories were also discussed. The President instructed officials to expedite the settlement of all outstanding payments due to sugarcane farmers.
In addition, the President directed officials to swiftly implement plans to identify and consolidate the services currently provided by institutions under the Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry to ensure effective coordination. He also instructed them to explore and propose additional services to be delivered to the public.
The discussion was attended by Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Finance Ministry Secretary Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma, Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary Thilaka Jayasundara, and Senior Additional Secretary to the President Russel Aponso, along with officials of institutions under the Industries Ministry and senior officers of the Finance Ministry.
