Measures to Strengthen Local Industries – Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya

26-Oct-2025

.

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that it is essential for the government and private sector to work together to strengthen domestic industries and enable them to enter the global market.

She added that the government would take measures to enhance local entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the “2025 Industry and Service Excellence Awards” ceremony held at Cinnamon Life Hotel, Colombo, the Prime Minister said that the event, organized by the National Chamber of Industries in collaboration with the Ministry of Industries and Enterprise Development, aimed to recognize and encourage significant contributions to Sri Lanka’s industrial sector.

In her address, the Prime Minister noted:

“Strengthening the country’s industrial sector directly contributes to creating new employment opportunities, reducing imports, and ensuring sustainable economic growth.

Focus must be placed on supporting capacity development, innovation, expansion, and market access for the industrial sector.

A strong and competitive industrial base is not only an economic priority but also a national necessity.

The government will act responsibly to create a conducive environment for industrial growth by expanding access to finance, technology, and energy development.

Providing equal opportunities for women in the industrial sector should also be viewed as a sound economic strategy.

The success of local entrepreneurs strengthens the foundation of our national economy. Although women have made significant contributions in production, management, innovation, and planning, their contributions often go unrecognized.

Increasing women’s participation as employees, managers, and entrepreneurs enhances productivity and innovation, thereby strengthening the overall industrial ecosystem.

Under a National People's Power government, steps will be taken to improve women’s economic participation through policies, reforms, and institutional cooperation.

The government will intervene to ensure access to micro-credit and financial services, technical and vocational training, equal pay for equal work, and support for women-centered enterprises.

It is also committed to removing barriers such as unpaid care work, which restricts women’s participation in the labor force, and to strengthening gender-responsive industrial policies for broader development.

We must recognize the role of entrepreneurs in national development. Their creativity and commitment are vital drivers of economic progress.”