A landmark national initiative titled the ‘4i Project’, aimed at developing 1,000 young and small-scale entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka, was launched last week by the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development in collaboration with the National Productivity Secretariat and other government agencies.
Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunneththi said the program is designed to empower youth and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) by strengthening their capacity to innovate, compete, and contribute to national growth. “The initiative is open to both emerging and existing SMEs with over three years of operation and at least ten employees,” he explained, noting that the project primarily targets production-based businesses across selected districts.
The 4i Project, according to Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, stands for four key stages of enterprise growth—Initiation, Ideation, Integration, and Implementation. “It’s not merely about starting businesses, but about building efficient, innovative, and globally competitive enterprises,” he said, adding that Sri Lanka’s low productivity has been a key factor behind economic stagnation. The initiative, he asserted, is expected to boost national productivity by up to 52% in the coming years.
Outlining the broader vision, Ministry Secretary J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara said the program aligns with the government’s long-term plan to transform Sri Lanka into a manufacturing-driven economy by 2030. Currently, the manufacturing sector contributes about 16.1% to GDP, and the goal is to raise this to 20% through the empowerment of SMEs. “The 4i Project is central to this transition enhancing local entrepreneurs’ knowledge, skills, productivity, and export readiness,” she emphasized.
Initially launched as a pilot project in the Gampaha District, its success prompted an islandwide rollout. The project has already screened over 968 applications from 17 districts, out of which 504 outstanding entrepreneurs were selected for the first phase. The remaining eight districts are expected to be covered by mid-2026, completing the target of 1,000 participants.
W.M.D. Suranga Gunaratna, Director of Public Enterprises, described the program as a vital step in strengthening Sri Lanka’s SME sector by providing advisory support, training, and financial guidance for sustainable growth. He revealed that several districts have already requested inclusion in the next phase, reflecting the growing enthusiasm among young entrepreneurs.
The launch ceremony featured the presentation of appointment letters to selected entrepreneurs, along with a panel discussion on lessons from the Gampaha pilot phase. Government officials, local representatives, and industry leaders attended the event, marking what Minister Handunneththi called “a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s entrepreneurial journey one driven by innovation, inclusion, and industrial growth.”
