UNIDO support for Lanka’s industrial development
Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI
Sri Lanka is at the forefront of the region’s efforts to bring about
a new pattern of industrial development that is economically,
environmentally and socially sustainable.
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UNIDO DG Dr.
Kandeh Yumkella |
United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Director
General Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella said that increasing energy efficiency,
reducing wastage of energy, introducing new technology are some of the
challenges for Sri Lanka.
It will continue to support the Sri Lankan Government and look
forward to contribute to the vital changes required by business and
industry, he said.
He is in Sri Lanka on the invitation of the Government.
He will hold bilateral meetings with Industry and Commerce Minister
Rishad Bathiyutheen and acting External Affairs Minister Geethanjana
Gunawardena on the industrialization of Sri Lanka specially in the
recently liberated Northern and Eastern provinces.
The Government and UNIDO are jointly committed to promoting SMEs to
provide employment and economic empowerment.
Issues related to competitiveness development of the Sri Lanka
industrial sector towards becoming a newly industrialized country will
also be addressed.
Discussions on green industry, energy and environment, trade capacity
building, investment and technology, agro industry development and
private sector development are also on the cards.
Dr Yumkella said funds have been received from the Japanese
Government and UNIDO has planned to introduce several income generation
projects for the war widows in the North and East.
A team will be sent to Sri Lanka shortly to assess the requirements
to implement this project. |
