The Hon. Rajeevan Jeyachandramoorthy

¶ 01 Hon. Deputy Chairperson, I am pleased to join the Committee Stage debate on the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development.

¶ 02 After years of decline in Sri Lanka’s industrial sectors, activities are now being accelerated and this progress is creating public confidence. In this context, I draw attention to the growth of industries in the Northern and Eastern Provinces and the challenges they face.

¶ 03 Post-2009, in the North and East, entrepreneurship and industries were largely dormant, with little development and no foreign exchange generation; women and youth were left behind. From 2009–2015, despite the A-9 opening and some market access, there was no sustained effort to revive existing industries, create new ones, or attract northern entrepreneurs—due to strong political reasons. From 2015–2019, some projects progressed but slowly. From 2020–2024, COVID severely impacted SMEs. Our government has taken on the responsibility of significantly advancing industries in the North and East, particularly the Northern Province.

¶ 04 In Jaffna District, we aim to transform Kankesanthurai into a commercial hub to attract entrepreneurs; in Kilinochchi, to operationalize the Paranthan Chemical Factory and develop the town into a commercial centre; to expand production at the Kurinjattivu salt pans in Mannar; to establish an industrial estate in Mankulam, Mullaitivu; and to revive the Oddusuddan bottle factory—altogether creating new industrial zones and growth across the Northern Province. At a recent industry exhibition, many investors from the North and East participated. On January 21–22, we will host the Northern Investment Summit to attract more investors and encourage commerce and industry.

¶ 05 However, there are challenges—deficits in roads, electricity, and transport; difficulties accessing capital and bank loans; and a skills gap due to brain drain during crises. We must train and build human capital. Producers in the North have struggled with low production and inadequate market access. Unlike past governments that sidelined the North and East, our government, through this Budget, allocates funds for equitable development across all regions.

¶ 06 A nation advances when its industries advance. We focus on two avenues: increasing revenue through tourism, and expanding industry to create employment and income for youth—thus enriching the country.

¶ 07 When progress occurs, some feel heartburn and seek to disrupt development, even stoking communal tensions. To my colleagues: when you speak of Tamil development, we are ready to support. But do not oppose good initiatives. The country faced COVID and an economic crisis; many left the country—you and I also travelled abroad and saw how those nations developed. Sri Lanka must develop likewise, so all our children can enjoy prosperous lives. Let us set aside the urge to create chaos for political gain, and work together for the people and the future of the country. We will pursue our politics; you pursue yours; but we will not join any “independent group.” We will work together for the benefit of the Tamil people. Thank you.