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FCCISL to promote local economic development in Moneragala
The
eradication of poverty level, full employment and welfare schemes
for the average people have become the yardstick for measuring the
economic stability of a country today, instead of the earlier
gauge of per capita income.
In short, it would be the reflection of the stable rural economy
that would ultimately measure the level of economic progress of
a country.
Thus today, most developing countries are focusing their attention
on uplifting the economic situation of the provinces – especially
regional development, instead of urban development.
The Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka
(FCCISL), the apex organisation of Sri Lanka’s private sector,
is not only concerned about putting the private sector on the correct
track, so that they would afford the consumer the maximum benefits
through proper functioning of the free market economy. They are
also concerned about the vital drawbacks of the economy of undeveloped
and neglected rural sector.
Moneragala is the poorest district of Sri Lanka where 56% of the
population of the district is considered to be below the poverty
line. Yet, in terms of resources, Moneragala District possesses
a vast resource base where fertile and arable land is in abundance
to grow different crops. Different climatic conditions for
different cultivations also exist in this particular area. On
the other hand, the abundance of water, and the forest cover in
the district would attract environment loving visitors – in
terms of eco and agro-tourism.
However, it is indeed a pity that with all these vast resources,
Moneragala has been classified as the poorest district in the country. Further,
on top of all these conditions, there are problems faced by the
agricultural community, specially pertaining to market linkages.
One example is the lime cultivation. During certain periods, large
quantities of lime are dumped in the market, as the necessary processing
technology for preservation is not available in the area.
This is the background, economic potential and the current
status of the Monaragala District.
If one looks at the composition of industries and businesses in
this district, it would appear that more than 50% of the enterprises
are agro-business and agricultural farming. In the case of
agro processing, the largest sugar processing factories are situated
in Monaragala – Palwatte and Hingurana. Micro and small
enterprises are also there, but medium sized enterprises are small
in number.
FCCISL has identified the problem and as precursor, established
its local District Chamber in Monaragala a few years ago, in order
to help and facilitate the business and the economic development
in the district.
CEO and Secretary General Samantha B. Abeywickrama said that they
have received some funding support from the USAID. He added
that later they were able to procure new support from the Norwegian
Government, through NORAD – the development arm of the Norwegian
Government. They have given financial support for the development
of business and economy within the district.
Now, FCCISL has negotiated with the Economic and Business
Development Ministry of the Norwegian Government for a comprehensive,
structured enterprises development programme for the Moneragala
District and the Norwegian Government has consented to provide financial
support. It covers several important economic development aspects
of the area.
The key components of the project are as follows: Development of
macro and small enterprises by providing necessary business development
services and facilitating credit and finances; develop technologies
necessary for various manufacturing and production processes and
most importantly, develop market linkages.
These are for the micro and small manufacturing enterprises involved
in agricultural and agro-based industries. FCCISL will introduce
post-harvest technologies to facilitate forward sales contracts. They will
also improve farming technologies and develop the prevailing informal
system.
The other areas to be introduced are productivity and cleaner production
technologies. While entrepreneurship is developed, investment
promotion is also promoted in the Moneragala District. The
project will also create better policy and regulatory environment
for these micro and small businesses to function by expediting the
decision making process and also providing access to public sector
decision making process.
Efficient services will also be provided in order to resolve business
related matters by the district and provincial level authorities.
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