596 skilled diploma holders for the apparel sector from SLITA Campus
596 skilled diploma holders for the apparel sector from SLITA Campus Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Mrs Thilaka Jayasundara, pointed out that the apparel industry is the main contributor to Sri Lanka’s export earnings, and out of the export earnings of USD 17.25 billion in 2025, USD 4.9 billion has been received from the apparel sector. She stated this while addressing the Diploma and Higher National Diploma Certificate Awarding Ceremony held at the Bandaranaike International Memorial Hall, organized by the SLITA Campus, which operates under the Sri Lanka Institute of Textiles and Apparel (SLITA). The Sri Lanka Institute of Textiles and Apparel (SLITA) is a leading state higher education institution dedicated to developing professionals in Sri Lanka’s textile and apparel sector. Recently, SLITA awarded Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas to 596 graduates who successfully completed their academic and professional qualifications. The Sri Lanka Institute of Textiles and Apparel, established under Act No. 12 of 2009, is a leading centre for training skilled graduates and technical professionals in the garment sector, which is one of Sri Lanka’s largest export industries. Our mission is to empower the garment industry through education, innovation, research, and excellence. The Sri Lanka Institute of Textiles and Apparel offers a wide range of programs, including short courses, certificates, diplomas, and degree courses, all designed to meet both local and international industry standards. With modern laboratory facilities, experienced faculty, strong industry collaboration, and practical training opportunities, the institute strives to equip students with the technical and professional skills essential for success in the rapidly evolving garment sector. Mrs Thilaka Jayasundara stated that the Sri Lanka Institute of Textiles and Apparel is playing a major role in creating the skilled human resources needed for the apparel industry by becoming itself as an international educational institution within the apparel sector.
Sri Lanka’s first National Industry Information System launched…
Sri Lanka’s first National Industry Information System launched… The National Industry Information System (NIIS), a new digital platform designed to manage all information related to economic and industrial activities across Sri Lanka, was launched in Colombo on (06) under the patronage of the Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Mr. Sunil Handunnetthi. Chrysalis is providing technical and financial support for this National Industry Information System, which is being implemented by the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development. This information system, which acts as a central database for the industrial sector, contains information including details of industries operating in Sri Lanka, business classification, legal status, registration information, UN classification, industry scale, production data, raw material use, market coverage, employment, energy and fuel consumption, waste management and disposal methods. Industrialists can register for this National Industrial Information System by creating their own user account or by submitting information through authorized government officials, and after registration, an official certificate is issued to the industry recognizing it as a registered entity in the National Industrial Database. A special feature of this information system is that registered industries are required to update their business information annually. This will provide the opportunity to make decisions based on more accurate information when making policy decisions in the industrial sector. Minister Sunil Handunnethi said that the Ministry of Industries has initiated the first step towards digitizing the country’s industries and that this new National Industrial Information System will act as a valuable tool for policy formulation, market research, competitive analysis and strategic planning, paving the way for Sri Lanka’s industrial sector to achieve sustainable growth and global competitiveness. Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Thilaka Jayasundara, Controller General of Immigration and Emigration Chaminda Pathiraja, Additional Secretaries and officials of the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, officials of Chrysalis, industrialists and a group of others participated in this event.
NVQ opportunities for Sri Lanka’s handicraft sector…
NVQ opportunities for Sri Lanka’s handicraft sector… The presentation of certificates to the artisans who completed the “Batik Designer (NVQ – 3) Batik Industry Training Course” and the “One Year Certificate Course in Red Clay-related Arts and Crafts” conducted by the National Crafts Council under the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development was held recently (27th) at the Battaramulla Construction Industry Development Authority (CETRAC) Auditorium. In place of the current informal training methods in the batik industry, 32 artisans who successfully completed the “Batik Designer (NVQ – 3) Batik Industry Training Course” in accordance with the formal and standardized competency standards of the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission and 9 artisans who completed the “One Year Certificate Course in Red Clay Art and Design” implemented at the Waragoda Ceramic Training Center through a formal syllabus in association with the University of Fine Arts were awarded certificates. Providing national vocational qualifications to artisans in this way, confirming them as internationally recognized skilled artisans, is a very important opportunity for the entire handicraft sector in Sri Lanka. Speaking at the event, Dr. Ayesha Wickramasinghe, Chairperson of the National Crafts Council, said that the professional qualification obtained in this way will be of great help to Sri Lankan handicraftsmen in entering the international market and becoming stable there. She also said that the value of this industry, which is a creative industry, cannot be measured in money and that the products of this industry can fetch a huge price by building brands. The event was attended by Colombo District Member of Parliament, Attorney-at-Law Susantha Dodawatte, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Subhadra Walpola, Senior Lecturer, University of Kelaniya Dr. G. Nilantha Roshan Perera, Senior Lecturer at the Department of Ceramics, Colombo University of Aesthetics Lalith Lansakara, Lecturer at the Department of Ceramics Dr. Ranjith Weerasinghe, Deputy Director of the National Crafts Council Ananda Jayasinghe, officials of the National Crafts Council, certified artisans and a group of others participated.
An Investigation and Inspection Unit for the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau……
An Investigation and Inspection Unit for the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau… A special discussion between the officials of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau (GSMB) and the Minister of Industries and Enterprise Development, Mr. Sunil Handunnetti, was held on the 28th at the GSMB premises in Pitakotte. The Bureau, which had previously operated under the Ministry of Environment, was brought under the Ministry of Industries and Enterprise Development from October 18. Established in 1903 as the Ceylon Mineral Survey Department, the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau is responsible for mineral exploration, issuing mining licenses, managing exploration and lease rights, maintaining laboratory services, and providing geological information. During the discussion, Minister Sunil Handunnetti stated that the current contribution of the mineral resources sector to Sri Lanka’s economy remains at a very low level. He emphasized that to maximize this contribution, a national policy on mineral resources should be developed, with clear guidelines and frameworks to direct related activities. The Minister further highlighted the importance of value addition to the country’s mineral resources. He also mentioned that the government has already identified the barriers that have hindered the development of the mineral resources industry in the past and assured that measures will be taken promptly to remove those obstacles and properly position the mineral sector within the Sri Lankan economy. Minister Handunnetti inspected the premises of the Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, where officials briefed him on various ongoing issues — including staff-related matters, licensing problems, legal concerns, and transport difficulties. The Minister emphasized the urgent need to establish an Investigation and Inspection Unit within the Bureau to address these challenges effectively. The event was also attended by Ministry Secretary Ms. Thilaka Jayasundara, GSMB Chairman Mr. Saman Jayasinghe, Director General and Geologist Ms. Deepani Weerakoon, several Additional Secretaries of the Ministry of Industries, and a number of senior officials and staff members of the Bureau.
The Ministry of Industries has launched a national program to develop young entrepreneurs across the island…..
THE MINISTRY OF INDUSTRIES HAS LAUNCHED A NATIONAL PROGRAM TO DEVELOP YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ACROSS THE ISLAND. A program to sensitize District Secretaries and District and Divisional Productivity Development Officers on the National Program to Develop 1000 Young Entrepreneurs Islandwide was recently held at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute under the patronage of the Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Mr. Sunil Handunnetti.This program, which is to be implemented as an innovative project with the aim of empowering the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) sector in Sri Lanka and enhancing the knowledge, skills, productivity and export capacity of entrepreneurs, is being implemented jointly by the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development and the National Productivity Secretariat.This program was first implemented as a pilot project in the Gampaha District and 100 entrepreneurs were developed during the pilot project and based on its excellent success, it was decided to expand this program islandwide. Accordingly, the first phase of the program is scheduled to be launched in 17 districts this year and the remaining 8 districts are scheduled to start this program in the middle of next year. Through this program, it is expected to provide entrepreneurs with advisory support, training and necessary resources to sustainably grow their businesses. This will make a great contribution to Sri Lanka’s economic growth, job creation and increase export earnings.At this event, the District Secretaries and District and Regional Productivity Development Officers were also informed about the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Framework, the District Committee for Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, the District Export Development Programs, the National Productivity Awards Competition and the Community Productivity Program implemented by the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development.The event was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Aloka Bandara, Additional Secretary (Home Affairs) of the Ministry, A. G. Nishantha, Director of the National Productivity Secretariat, Niranja Jayakody, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Board, Mangala Wijesinghe, Additional Secretaries to the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, District Secretaries/Government Agents, officials of the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, officials of the National Productivity Secretariat and a group of others.
Plans Underway to Establish Sri Lanka–Nepal Business Forum…
Plans Underway to Establish Sri Lanka–Nepal Business Forum A special discussion was held between the Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Mr. Sunil Handunnetti, and the Ambassador of Nepal to Sri Lanka, Dr. Purna Bahadur, at the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development on July 9. The Minister and the Ambassador exchanged views on the current political, economic and social issues in Sri Lanka and Nepal, and emphasized the importance of establishing a Sri Lanka-Nepal Business Forum between the two countries, with the aim of further expanding the existing trade relations between Sri Lanka and Nepal. At this, Minister Sunil Handunnetti briefed the Ambassador of Nepal, Dr. Purna Bahadur, on the trade relations that Sri Lanka maintains with other countries in the region as well as with countries outside the region such as China. The Minister and Nepalese Ambassador Bahadur also discussed at length the possibility of entering into a free trade agreement between Sri Lanka and Nepal, including goods such as gems and jewelry, mineral sand, phosphate, rice, sugar, and garments. At this meeting, Minister Sunil Handunnetti invited Nepalese buyers to attend the “Ratnapura International Gem Exhibition” planned to be held in Ratnapura in August.
BCC is being digitalized…
BBC is being digitalized… With the aim of improving the production and marketing activities of BCC Lanka Limited, which operates under the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, the digitization of the institution’s operations was carried out on July 7 under the patronage of the Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Mr. Chathuranga Abeysinghe. This marked a shift from the manual system that had been in place for over 35 years. BCC Lanka Limited is the first institution under the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development to be digitized. Notably, this digitization was carried out completely free of charge by eZuite (Pvt) Ltd for BCC Lanka Limited. Through this transformation, the institution’s activities will now be conducted more transparently. Furthermore, Chairman of BCC Lanka Limited, Mr. Prasanga Indrajith Perera, stated that in the near future, BCC customers will have the opportunity to purchase BCC products online. The launch of the revamped BCC Lanka Limited website and official Facebook social media page also took place in conjunction with this event. The event was attended by Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Chairman Prasanga Indrajith Perera, members of the Board of Directors, officers and staff of BCC Lanka Limited, officials from the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, representatives of eZuite (Pvt) Ltd, and several other distinguished guests.