To ensure that Sri Lanka does not face another economic crisis the country has to drive exports and ensure the medium industries and small industries are functioning said President Ranil Wickremesinghe at the Sri Lanka National Export awards yesterday.
This is why the government has made money available for SMEs and banks will be told to focus on industries which have been affected by the twin crisis and also support viable industries. “The supply chain must not be broken. We must think of new areas of export and we need to invite investment for that.Though Sri Lanka had exported agricultural goods since ancient times we are no longer a major exporter of agricultural goods as the country has neglected agriculture. It is time to rebuild this segment again.Smallholders can do it by increasing productivity and agro technology. What you need is not vast extents of land but fair access to capital.”
Since the country needs land for agriculture two large areas of the Mahaweli Scheme (System A and System B) which was not expanded due to war will be taken for this and given out under long term leases.This includes around 100,000 acres.
“We are looking to bring 300,000 acres for large scale agriculture over nest few years. We hope Sri Lankans will engage in this.We will review performance of regional Plantation companies (RPC) that have not done well in the sphere of agricultural exports.”
The national export brand of Sri Lankans exports was also launched by the President at the event.
State Minister Dilum Amunugama said it was laudable how exporters have performed in these difficult times and recognized the entire sector including non award winners. Dilmah and Akbar Brothers, Haycarb, CBL, Nestle, Manisha Exports and Silvermill was on top for tea, rubber and coconut products category while Dole Lanka won top honors for processed fruits.
Renowned for its quality apparel serving a plethora of the world’s biggest brands, Brandix is one of Sri Lanka’s largest employers, empowering over 40,000 Sri Lankans and enriching the lives over 300,000 Sri Lankans through its value chain. The company also brings in over USD 1.2 billion FOREX annually.
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