Program to strengthen traditional industries

Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Minister Douglas Devananda instructed Ministry officials to include a comprehensive program to strengthen traditional industries and small medium enterprises development in the Gampaha District as part of the Government’s 180 day Gampaha accelerated integrated district development program.

Traditional industries and Small Enterprise Development Ministry Secretary V.Sivagnanasothy said the 180 day Program commenced on July 1 and ends in December 2010.

The focus of the Traditional Industry and Small Enterprise Development Ministry is to upgrade SMEs and SMIs in the Gampaha District and empower youth with entrepreneurial culture and engage women in this important sector.

Sivagnanasothy said the Ministry has invested about Rs 10 million to establish two Common Service Centres in Meerigama for cane and clay products.

The clay Common Service Centre has been established in Wabadamulla, Meerigama with modern technology, equipment, accessories and facilities to provide access to the new technology to clay based industrialists.

There are more than 30 families involved in the clay production village, who will be directly benefited from this centre.