'SMEs development to strengthen rural economy'

Priyanka KURUGALA

Technology and Research Ministry has planned to develop the small and medium enterprises to strengthen the rural economy, said Technology and Research Minister Pavithra Vanniarachchi addressing a conference for officers of technology and research at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute recently.

Taking part in the Divi Neguma programme, the Technology and Research Ministry has drawn up a plan to launch a project to eradicate poverty under the Vidhatha programme, Minister Vanniarachchi added.

Officers of Science and Technology have been appointed to coordinate the technical side of the Divi Neguma programme. The Economic Development Ministry will provide guidance to investors in making new productions through resources from rural areas, she said.

The government will evaluate natural resources of the country through the Divi Neguma and Vidhatha programmes targeting to develop the country' industries.

Economic Development Ministry's Divi Neguma programme Director Jayathilake Herath said the Economic Development Ministry has taken the necessary steps to build 1,000,000 housing units throughout the country.

"We are confident that officers of science and technology will have an ability to coordinate the programme through a pilot implementation." The Divi Neguma programme aims to face global financial crises in the future, he said.