Entrepreneurs are drivers of Sri Lankan economy: Eran

State Minister of Finance Eran Wickramaratne addresses the media yesterday along with National Policies and Economic Affairs State Minister Dr. Harsha De Silva and Telecommunication, Digital Infrastructure and Foreign Employment Minister Harin Fernando

Pic Ruwan Walpola

By Chathuri Dissanayake

The UNP-led Government has taken steps to boost the country’s entrepreneurs through development programs, giving them their due place in the Sri Lankan economy, State Minister of Finance Eran Wickramaratne said yesterday.

Stressing that Sri Lanka should give due prominence to entrepreneurs in the economy, he said that the ‘Enterprise Sri Lanka’ loan scheme aims to boost the status of small and medium entrepreneurs in the country.

“Entrepreneurs in the country are the ones who will improve the GDP and help grow the economy. We have not given them their due respect. Till now, only professionals have been given respect. That is why we have pushed for the ‘Enterprise Sri Lanka’ scheme, so that small and medium scale entrepreneurs and those who are starting up can be supported,” he said, adding that the Government has absorbed the interest expense of the concessionary loan schemes in a bid to encourage growth.

The Government has also taken a host of measures to ensure that those entering the workforce are also equipped with the skills necessary to actively engage in economic activities.

“This is why we have made 13 years of school compulsory. Those who fail to qualify for Advanced Level Exams can now learn a trade and the technical skills needed,” he said. Telecom and Digital Infrastructure Minister Harin Fernando, speaking at the media briefing, also pointed out that the development plans of the UNP-led Government is more long-term, unlike the short-term infrastructure deployment plans carried out  with loan funding by the previous Government.

“Right now, it is intangible, but you will soon see results,” he insisted, pointing out that the rupee is already stabilising against the dollar, thanks to forward-thinking measures taken by the Government.