The Sri Lankan government is set to introduce a new tariff policy next year as part of its broader initiative to promote local industries and reduce reliance on imports. Minister of Entrepreneurship Development and Industries, Sunil Handunnetti, emphasized that the government is committed to reversing decades of policies that sidelined domestic manufacturing in favor of imported goods.
Speaking at the establishment of the Ratnapura District Industrial Council, Handunnetti highlighted the government’s vision to inspire an industrial revolution across the country. He stated that the government aims to turn school graduates, A-level students, and unemployed youth into successful local and international entrepreneurs. Through the Meet the Minister program, industries are being introduced to rural communities to foster interest at the grassroots level.
To streamline industrial support, all relevant institutions have been brought under a single ministry. Twenty policy-making committees have been established within the Ministry of Industries to guide this transformation. A major component of this initiative is bringing industrial solutions closer to the people. In the past, entrepreneurs from districts like Ampara, Galle, and Matara had to travel to Colombo to resolve their industry-related concerns. To address this, the government is working to establish District Industrial Promotion Councils to handle industry-related issues at the local level, along with Regional Industrial Committees to resolve concerns within respective areas. Additionally, a home-based problem-solving system is being introduced, allowing industrialists to access assistance remotely.
Handunnetti stressed that industries should not be confined to urban areas but should be actively supported in villages. He pointed out that many entrepreneurs are unaware of the Ministry of Industries and its resources, which reflects the past neglect of the sector. The new tariff policy and support mechanisms are designed to strengthen domestic production, create employment opportunities, and reduce dependency on imports, paving the way for a more self-sufficient and industrially-driven economy in Sri Lanka.
