Industry Ministry launches national programme to support 1,000 entrepreneurs

By Rukaiya Riza

The Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development in collaboration with National Productivity Secretariat has announced the launching of a national programme to develop 1,000 entrepreneurs nation wide.

The programme will be implemented as an initiative in areas governed by the ‘Four-I’ project that stands for ‘Integration, Innovation, Implementation and Improve’. 

The programme aims at developing small and medium-scale institutions which have at least three years of constant operational history as well as employing over ten employees. It will focus on businesses that involved in production and are established in identified districts such as Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Matara, Kurunegala, Kandy, Matale, Kegalle, Ratnapura, Badulla, Moneragala, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Vavuniya, Jaffna and Batticaloa.

Under this programme, entrepreneurs will accrue several benefits that will enhance efficiency and competitiveness. These are increasing production capability of the institutions, establishing financial discipline and financial control and improving the quality of goods produced. The Ministry observed that the businesses involved will be strategically placed to compete in either domestic or international markets. Moreover, the programme will aid in maximising turnover, workplace security, and the effectiveness and enthusiasm of the employees. Possibilities of introducing new technology, and sharing best practices will be provided as well. Participants will be encouraged to use loan schemes, implemented by the Ministry.

The interested and eligible entrepreneurs are requested to submit their applications to the Productivity Development Officer, at the District Secretariat relevant to their location. 

Applications are currently open and should be received by Wednesday, August 20.

Interested applicants can call the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development on 011 2390142, the National Productivity Secretariat on 077 6613042, or the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Public Enterprises Division on 071 7411720 for more information.

The Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development in collaboration with the National Productivity Secretariat will be directing and structuring the programme.