Address by Guest of Honor Ms. Joni Simpson, Director - ILO Country Office for Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Wednesday, 30 July 2025 14:21 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Ms. Joni Simpson

While large industries often take the spotlight, MSMEs form the backbone of most economies, including Sri Lanka. However, MSMEs face major challenges: barriers to formalization, limited access to finance, markets, and business networks. UN MSME Day reminds us of the urgent need for supportive policies, inclusive finance systems, digital infrastructure, and capacity-building services.

In Sri Lanka, women represent 52% of the population but only 31% participate in the labor force. Despite high levels of education, many women do not translate qualifications into income. Encouragingly, 25% of MSMEs are women-led—but this must grow. Similarly, 8.7% of the population lives with disabilities, many turning to self-employment. Both women and persons with disabilities are valuable contributors to economic and social development.

The ILO, working with national bodies like NEDA, to support to MSMEs,by looking at labour issues,policies,support to promote entrepreneurship and job creation.ILO support to start entrepreneurship,training models, local certified trainers, targeted programs for women and people with disabilities, develop training materials to support entrepreneurs. We also promote entrepreneurship in schools, facilitate market access, and foster partnerships with chambers, industries, and universities.

Together with government, private sector, academia, and civil society, we must build an inclusive, connected, and dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem for Sri Lanka’s future. Let’s work together to make it a reality.