Minister Navinna targets industrial zones, self employment

by Irangika Range

The Ministry of Rural Industries and Self Employment Promotion is targeting to provide over 100,000 self-employment opportunities within six months by implementing new strategic plans and projects.

The aim is to set up industrial zones throughout the country and provide raw materials, machinery, infrastructure facilities, management training and direct marketing facilities under Government sponsorship for industrialists.

Speaking after assuming duties held at the Ministry premises, Minister of Rural Industries and Self Employment Promotion, S.B. Nawinna said the first industrial zone under this project will be set up in Wariyapola to manufacture leather products and footwear.

The Ministry expects to implement the training programme with the assistance of the Industrial Development Board (IDB) for school leavers, housewives and the jobless in the area while infrastructure facilities, over 150 machinery, raw materials, technology, financial support would be provided.

The Ministry will also provide direct market facilities for these manufacturers by negotiating with leading leather and footwear companies in Sri Lanka.

The Minister hopes to enhance the efficiency of work of institutes under the ministry including IDB, Laksala, National Craft Council, Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board, National Designing Center and the Textile Department by implementing speedy development programmes towards the development of the national economy.

Navinna said most of local industrialists failed due to difficulties in finding the market to sell their products. The Ministry has taken action to protect them by opening local and foreign marketing gateways.

The IDB has obtained new land to set up the local handicrafts displaying center while the Laksala will be modernised by setting up more trade stalls for the Sri Lanka Handicrafts Board and the National Craft Council at Thunmulla.

Cabinet approval has been obtained to get copper, silver and zinc which are removed from government offices as waste.

These could be used as a good raw material for small industries.

The Ministry will distribute them at a low price through the IDB.

The Ministry will appoint Laksala trade agents in other countries to popularise local handicraft in the international market. Under this programme, the Ministry has appointed a Laksala trade agent in Italy recently.