North and East development:

Govt to introduce light industrial units in Batticaloa

Chamikara WEERASINGHE

The Traditional Industries and Small Enterprise Development Ministry will launch its cottage industry development programme in the Batticaloa district as part of the government's initiative to revive livelihood development in the country's former war-torn districts on fast track under the Mahinda Chinthana.

Moves are underway to give grants, bank loans and to provide market access to the public in Batticaloa to start small industries under the programme, ministry sources said.

Small Enterprise Development Ministry Secretary V Sivagnanasothi told the Daily News, the Cottage Industry Development Programme in Batticaloa will be launched as sequel to the programme's success in Jaffna and other districts. The programme which began on March 30 ends tomorrow at Mahajana College, Batticaloa.

"More than 1,000 families in Jaffna have benefited by the programme," he said. " Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa, who is the architect of the programme, was the chief guest at the launch of the cottage industry development programme in Batticaloa," Sivagnanasothi said.

Traditional and Small Enterprise Minister Douglas Devananda and Urban Affairs Senior Minister A H M Fowzie also graced the occasion.

The ministry will hold technology transfer and industrial technology training programmes to empower those interested in self employment under the programme which will benefit thousands of war affected youths in Batticaloa to improve their living standards.

Sivagnanasothi said the programme will empower the public in Batticaloa with skills and facilities to start small industries paving the way for self- employment and income generation.

The Small Industries Ministry will offer training in pottery, kithul, palmyrah, handicraft, coconut oil, incense sticks, leather-based products, food processing, brass-based products, coir-based products among the other small industries.

"There are 14 District Secretariats in Batticaloa. We expect at least 500 persons from each division and an all round participation of 7,000 at the cottage industry and technology exhibition," said Sivagnanasothi.

Youths can register with the Small Enterprise Development Ministry which will provide technological training and facilities to start industrial units in their regions.