Reviving Anuradhapura entrepreneurial activities

A meeting of the Anuradhapura District Enterprise Forum was held recently at the District Secretariat, Anuradhapura, chaired by Anuradhapura Government Agent H.M.K. Herath.

The Additional Govt Agent, Divisional Secretaries, Govt Officials and the representatives of the business community were present at the meeting.

It was organized by the District Chamber of Anuradhapura and attended by FCCISL Senior Consultant J. Abeywikrama, President Nissanka Ratnayake, and Chamber Executive Director P. B. Dissanayake.

Among the main issues discussed at the meeting were the need to maintain stable market facilities for the agricultural output and the development of tourism related activities in the district.

The GA said that as there is peace in the district after a long period of time, this is the ideal time to coordinate all activities required for development.

Although Anuradhapura is a district with large agricultural production, there is no sufficient development of agricultural by- products or agro-based industries taking place there.

On the other hand, as there is no proper coordination, the same crops are grown in all areas, creating a massive marketing problem at the harvesting season. In the tourism industry, as the low cost hotel facilities are not developed, local tourists are reluctant to stay overnight in Anuradhapura.

A proper investment program has to be introduced to the district.

It was decided to arrange a meeting to prepare an action plan, with the leadership of the Chief Minister, with the participation of senior officials of BOI, EDB, the Tourist Promotion Bureau and relevant Provincial Ministries, in Anuradhapura.