Land Bank to be set up for industrial development, Minister

Colombo, Nov. 20 (Daily Mirror) - A land bank will soon be set up to acquire land suitable for industrial development, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnethi said.

Speaking at the event, he said, “This year’s budget has allocated Rs. 120 billion for industries and Rs. 80 billion for credit relief for industrialists. The government is investing such a large sum in the industrial sector with high expectations. Entrepreneurs now have great confidence in the government, enabling them to embark on a successful journey alongside the state.”

The “Western Province Entrepreneur Awards 2025” was held yesterday (19) at the Bandaranaike Conference Hall under Minister Handunnethi’s patronage, recognising entrepreneurial excellence in the Western Province.

Organised by the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA) in collaboration with the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, this marks the 8th consecutive year of the awards. A total of 54 entrepreneurs from micro, small, medium, and large-scale enterprises were honoured with gold, silver, bronze, and honorary awards across 27 categories.

Special awards were also presented in sectors including Industry and Manufacturing, Agriculture/Livestock and Fisheries, Hospitality/Tourism, and other services. Recognition was given for achievements in Innovation, Environmental Sustainability, Energy Efficiency, Export Excellence, Productivity, Value Addition, Youth and Women Entrepreneurship, Multi-Skilled Entrepreneurship, Job Creation, Sustainability Practices, and Financial Performance.