Uplift for small-medium industries:

Development at its highest level after independence - Minister Nawinna

Ariyapala Wansathilake Kurunegala Central special correspondent

Every step has been taken to uplift the local small and medium scale (SMS) industries, by giving the industrialist, the technology and financial support, said the Minister of Rural Industries and Self-Employment Promotion S.B. Navinna at Mahakeliya.

The Minister was addressing a meeting that followed the opening of the “Kanlow” shoe industry at Wariyapola, Mahakeliya.

He said this is an era when the development of the country is taking place at its highest level after independence due to the far-sighted policies of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Minister said Mahinda Chinthana has guided the Sri Lankan industrial sector towards a new era in the last three years, and creating more than 25,000 new employment opportunities under the “Gamata Karmantha” project.

Minister Navinna briefing the factory owner Dhammika Bandara said we need to produce our products according to the accepted standards, and our main intention is to develop local products.

Sri Lanka is one of the leading developing countries in the world. Therefore we should open our doors to development without engaging in political bickering. He said the Government has planned to uplift the rural industries, and handicrafts by helping them to develop their skills and secure markets for their products.

Home based industries and micro enterprises play a major role in women’s employment at village level.

Nawinna said his Ministry has taken steps to establish a factory to produce Kitul honey in the producing villages to meet the demand in the Japanese market. Sky International Japan, a Company has given Rs. 70 million to establish this factory.

He said more programmes will be introduced to produce high demand products for the export market targeting foreign exchange to the country.

Therefore let us strengthen local industries and build a proud nation.