A pre-budget discussion to review the progress of projects implemented under the 2026 Budget allocations for the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and to consider proposals for the 2027 Budget was held yesterday (13) at the Presidential Secretariat under the chairmanship of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.
During the meeting, the progress of projects implemented by the Ministry and its affiliated institutions under the 2026 Budget was reviewed, while proposals and funding priorities for the 2027 Budget were discussed.
The President also reviewed the progress of the government’s programme to establish industrial zones in Dambulla, Ingiriya, Valachchenai, Millaniya and Katunayake. Discussions focused on challenges relating to land acquisition and the development of essential infrastructure, including electricity, water supply and road networks, as well as the measures required to address these issues promptly.
President Dissanayake instructed officials to ensure that all ongoing projects under the Ministry are completed within the stipulated timeframes. He also emphasised the importance of clearly defining the role and responsibilities of the government in the industrial sector.
The meeting further reviewed the current status of state enterprise development, with discussions focusing on issues affecting the sugar and salt industries and possible solutions to improve their performance.
Attention was also given to the ongoing process of consolidating institutions operating under the Ministry. The President noted that many institutions had been established over the years to meet different needs but had later become dependent on public funds. He stressed that the consolidation process should improve institutional efficiency while reducing operational costs compared to the previous structure.
Officials also briefed the President on the proposal to establish the Entrepreneurship and Industry Transformation Authority (EITA) and the programmes planned under the new institution.
The discussion further examined challenges faced by exporters and industrialists, with the President directing officials to submit proposals on broad-based concessions and support measures to strengthen the export and industrial sectors.
President Dissanayake also pointed out that Sri Lanka could develop internationally recognised expertise by identifying and supporting selected industrial sectors with targeted facilities and incentives.
The meeting was attended by Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, senior officials from the Presidential Secretariat, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, and other relevant government institutions.
