Rs. 200 mn allocated to boost women entrepreneurship under 2026 budget

Colombo, June 10 (Daily Mirror) - The Women and Child Affairs Ministry has launched a series of initiatives aimed at empowering women from economically disadvantaged communities through entrepreneurship development, with Rs. 200 million allocated under the 2026 Budget for a dedicated Women Empowerment Program.

The programme seeks to transform medium-scale women entrepreneurs into high-level entrepreneurs by creating access to both local and international markets. It also aims to economically strengthen middle-income women through public-private partnerships, encourage unemployed young women to enter entrepreneurship, and provide support for women affected by violence.

According to the Ministry, beneficiaries have been identified under two categories, with efforts focused on achieving both livelihood development and long-term entrepreneurial growth.

Special attention will be given to vulnerable groups through the Divi Sarani and Diriya Man Petha projects, which target widows, female-headed households, plantation sector workers, fishing community women, migrant workers, and women in rural and urban areas.

The Ministry said dedicated programmes have also been designed to assist women affected by natural disasters, economic crises, and unregulated microfinance loan schemes.

The initiative forms part of the government's broader strategy to enhance women's economic participation and strengthen entrepreneurship across the country.