President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held a meeting yesterday (14th) with officials from the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development at the Presidential Secretariat to discuss strategies for strengthening the manufacturing sector and national economy.
According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), discussions focused on improving efficiency, integrating industries, and addressing challenges in the sector. Key topics included government-led initial investments, better regulations to support small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs), and the establishment of local industries within investment zones. Business loan difficulties faced by SMEs were also highlighted.
The President instructed officials to expedite the release of lands allocated to the Ministry of Industry that have yet to be made available. Further discussions covered maintaining and regulating import restrictions to protect local industries, prioritizing local suppliers in construction procurement, and resolving issues in the gem and jewellery sector.
Additionally, the President directed officials to implement tax exemptions for tourists to boost the gem and jewellery industry.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry Thilaka Jayasundara, and other senior officials.
