News and Events

Industry Promotional Council meeting of the Monaragala District

The third Industry Promotional Council meeting of the Monaragala District was held at the District Secretariat auditorium, chaired by the District Secretary. The meeting was attended by the Additional Director of the Small Enterprises Development Division and Mr. Ruwan Wijeweera, Member of Parliament for the Monaragala District, along with senior district and regional officials, representatives of government and private banks, sectoral officers, provincial council members, and NGOs operating within the district.

The meeting reviewed progress from previous discussions and addressed ongoing challenges within the industrial sector. Key points discussed included:

• Reviewing progress from previous meetings and examining ongoing challenges within the industrial sector
• Emphasizing the need to systematically identify entrepreneurs, understand the issues they face, and provide targeted support to help them grow
• Highlighting the importance of strengthening the tourism sector
• Increasing export performance as practical steps to improve district-level economic outcomes.

A key decision taken at the meeting was to move forward with developing a comprehensive entrepreneurs’ database. Following a request by the IGNITE Project Manager, Medagama and Badalkumbura Divisional Secretariat Divisions were selected as model locations to lead and complete this process. Instructions were also given to extend and implement the initiative in Bibila DSD, ensuring that the approach can be scaled effectively across the district. This structured and coordinated effort marks an important step toward data-driven planning and stronger support systems for entrepreneurs in Monaragala.

As Chrysalis celebrates 10 years of changemaking, this reflects how we work, mobilizing action across government, private sector, and community levels toward a shared vision of inclusive economic growth. Through collaboration and alignment at multiple levels, we continue to create opportunities across the island and empower women and youth to build sustainable and resilient livelihoods.