The government is set to establish 25 District Industries Promotion Councils across the island to support local Micro, Small, and Medium Industries (MSMEs).
This week, the Cabinet of Ministers approved a proposal by Industries Minister Ramesh Pathirana to create these councils and appoint a steering committee to determine their structures, roles, and responsibilities.
The district councils aim to create a favorable environment for local SMEs facing various challenges. They will provide institutional support and services at a district level, forming an easily accessible system for local MSMEs.
Through a multi-sectoral and integrated approach, the councils will collaborate closely with small-scale industries to identify their needs and challenges. Additionally, they will serve as an interconnected platform for networking, promoting innovation, and fostering partnerships between MSMEs, larger industries, and other relevant agencies.
The steering committee overseeing the establishment process will include representatives from the public sector, private sector, and other related institutions.
