Promoting local industry a key government priority - PM Harini

Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya emphasized that boosting the local industrial sector is a major focus for the Government. She made these comments during the opening ceremony of the INCO 2026 Industrial Exhibition on Friday, March 13. This event is taking place for the 20th year at the BMICH Exhibition Centre, as reported by the Prime Minister’s Media Division. The INCO 2026 Industrial Exhibition, hosted by the Institution of Incorporated Engineers, Sri Lanka (IIESL), runs from March 13 to 15. While speaking at the event, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya noted, “The engineering sector plays a vital role in solving practical issues that a country faces while improving efficiency and safety. Exhibitions like this one inspire students to innovate.” She added that the Government has introduced various measures to speed up industrial growth. A significant initiative is the National Industry Information System (NIIS), which creates a central digital platform to gather information on Sri Lanka's economic and industrial activities. The Government is also working to provide essential financial support to industrialists through revolving funds. This year’s exhibition has seen participation from international attendees, offering local entrepreneurs chances to discover new markets and learn about global technologies. The event, which includes engineers, students, and entrepreneurs, is a crucial step toward the future of Sri Lanka’s industry. Notable attendees included Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of the Export Development Board, Upali Rathnayake, Chairman of the National Paper Company Limited, and Engineer Ananda Gunawardena, President of the Institution of Incorporated Engineers, Sri Lanka, along with local and international investors, entrepreneurs, and industrialists.