Proposals of Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development reviewed
16-Jul-2026.
A discussion on reviewing the progress of programmes implemented under the 2026 Budget allocations and considering Budget proposals for 2027 for the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development was held at the Presidential Secretariat under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
The progress of programmes implemented under the 2026 Budget allocations by each division of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and institutions coming under its purview, along with proposals for the 2027 Budget, were reviewed separately during the meeting.
The President also inquired into the current status of the programme to establish industrial zones in Dambulla, Ingiriya, Valaichchenai, Millaniya and Katunayake.
Discussions were held on challenges faced in allocating lands and developing infrastructure facilities such as electricity, water supply and roads, as well as immediate solutions that could be implemented.
President Dissanayake instructed officials to work with maximum commitment to complete all ongoing projects under the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development within the scheduled timeframe.
He also emphasised the need to properly identify the role and limitations of the government in relation to the industrial sector.
Attention was also focused on the current status of the development of state-owned enterprises, with discussions held on issues faced by the sugar and salt industries and possible alternative proposals.
The current status of the process of consolidating institutions under the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development was also reviewed.
The President pointed out that over different periods, numerous institutions had been established according to various requirements, eventually creating a situation where these entities had to be maintained using taxpayers’ money.
He stressed that when consolidating these institutions, their efficiency should be improved and there should be a comparative reduction between the expenditure incurred before consolidation and the cost after consolidation.
Officials also briefed the President on the proposal to establish an Entrepreneurship and Industrial Transformation Authority and the programmes planned under it.
The challenges faced by exporters and industrialists in their respective sectors were also discussed. The President instructed officials to submit proposals regarding common relief measures required to encourage exporters and industrial entrepreneurs.
The President further stated that selecting specific sectors within the industrial field and providing necessary facilities for their growth could help build unique capabilities specific to Sri Lanka.
