President Anura Kumara Dissanayake held discussions with officials from the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development today (14) at the Presidential Secretariat, focusing on strategies to enhance the efficiency and growth of the manufacturing sector and strengthen the national economy.
According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), the discussions covered government-led investments and regulatory support for small and medium-scale entrepreneurs (SMEs), as well as the establishment of local industrieswithin investment zones. Challenges related to business loans for SMEs were also addressed.
The President directed officials to expedite the release of lands allocated to the ministry that have yet to be made available. Discussions also covered import restrictions, prioritizing local suppliers in construction industry procurement, and resolving gem and jewelry sector challenges to maximize its contribution to the economy.
Additionally, the President instructed officials to implement tax exemptions for tourists as a measure to boost the gem and jewelry 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 of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara, and several other ministry officials.
