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USAID, CCC with SLEDB equip officers to boost regional SME exports
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Partnership for Accelerating Results in Trade, National Expenditure, and Revenue (PARTNER) activity, with the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC), have completed an on-the-job coaching programme for 50 Development Officers (DOs) attached to the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB), said a release from the CCC.
At an award ceremony on Jan 18, SLEDB, USAID PARTNER and CCC, recognised the officers for completion of the coaching programme, which included a three-day residential programme followed by a one-month “self-coaching programme” guided by experienced master coaches. The coaching prepared the officers to mentor other DOs attached to the SLEDB tasked with uplifting the export potential of regional small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka.
Dr. Kingsley Bernard, Chairman of the SLEDB stated, “I strongly believe that this programme has empowered the EDB Officers and the Development Officers with knowledge to strengthen the capacity of regional SMEs, enabling these businesses to connect with the export value chain and to enter the international market. Finally, this will help improve regional-level export figures and, ultimately, increase the overall income of the country.”
The coaching for 50 DOs is a sustainability initiative, which was delivered as a follow-on to a larger capacity building programme supported by USAID PARTNER with CCC as the implementing partner from August 2021-April 2023. In total, 317 DOs attached to EDB across Sri Lanka participated in a five-day curriculum-based classroom training to enhance their ability to support regional SMEs to reach export potential.
“Playing a significant role as the implementing partner of this collaborative initiative underscores the CCC’s commitment to fortifying Sri Lanka’s export landscape, and empowering our SMEs with the knowledge and tools to ensure enhanced competitiveness and sustainable growth,” said Deputy Vice Chairman of the CCC Bingumal Thewarathanthri.
In Sri Lanka, USAID supports SMEs with direct technical and financial assistance, while working closely with stakeholders to improve the enabling environment that impacts SME competitiveness. Gabriel Grau, USAID Mission Director for Sri Lanka and the Maldives underscored USAID’s commitment to inclusive private sector-led growth, stating “Small and medium-sized businesses are at the forefront of businesses affected by Sri Lanka’s economic crisis. The ongoing critical reforms in Sri Lanka are essential for the country to reemerge as a resilient economy, with small businesses continuing to be the engine of commerce and growth. By offering technical assistance, the United States, through USAID, aims to help boost Sri Lankan exports, create jobs, and, ultimately, contribute to putting money back into the pockets of citizens”.
With the intervention of the President’s Fund, the Wijewardane Children’s Home in Panadura has been completely renovated and was returned for use on Wednesday (10).
Following a request from the Home’s Board of Management, the renovation work was carried out with the technical assistance and labour support of the Sri Lanka Navy. The project included painting of dormitories and other areas, refurbishment of the kitchen and repair of electrical appliances such as non-functional ceiling fans.
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Level III landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
The Level III landslide early warnings issued to the districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale by the landslide early warning center of the National Building Research Organisation [NBRO] have been extended until 1600 hrs on Friday [12th December 2025]
Accordingly,
The LEVEL III RED warnings issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Kundasale, Pasbage Korale, Medadumbara, Ganga Ihala Korale, Hatharaliyadda, Pathadumbara, Doluwa, Panvila, Gangawata Korale, Ududumbara, Akurana, Yatinuwara, Harispattuwa, Deltota, Thumpane, Poojapitiya, Udapalatha, Udunuwara, Minipe and Pathahewaheta in the Kandy district, Yatiyanthota in the Kegalle district, Rideegama, Mawathagama and Mallawapitiya in the Kurunegala district, and Yatawatta, Ambanganga Korale, Wilgamuwa, Laggala Pallegama, Rattota, Pallepola, Naula, Matale and Ukuwela in the Matale district have been extended.
LEVEL II AMBER landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Uva Paranagama, Hali_Ela, Meegahakivula, Badulla, Kandeketiya, Bandarawela, Soranathota, Ella, Haputhale, Lunugala, Welimada, Haldummulla and Passara in the Badulla district, Warakapola, Kegalle, Mawanella, Rambukkana, Bulathkohupitiya, Dehiowita, Ruwanwella, Aranayaka, Galigamuwa and Deraniyagala in the Kegalle district, Alawwa and Polgahawela in the Kurunegala district, Kothmale East, Thalawakele, Walapane, Kothmale West, Nuwara Eliya, Mathurata, Nildandahinna, Hanguranketha, Ambagamuwa Korale and Norwood in the Nuwara Eliya district, and Kolonna, Kahawaththa and Godakawela in the Ratnapura district.
LEVEL I YELLOW landslide early warnings have been issued to the Divisional Secretaries Divisions and surrounding areas of Divulapitiya, Attanagalla and Mirigama in the Gampaha district, Narammala in the Kurunegala district, and Balangoda, Kalawana, Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Imbulpe, Ayagama, Openayake, Nivithigala, Kaltota, Eheliyagoda, Elapatha, Kiriella and Pelmadulla in the Ratnapura district.
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Sri Lanka grateful for the support extended by the United States and other friendly nations following the recent disaster – President
During a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat today (11), Ms. Allison Hooker, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, expressed her confidence in President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s leadership in steering Sri Lanka’s recovery and rebuilding efforts. She affirmed that the United States stands ready to provide any necessary support to assist Sri Lanka’s recovery.
Ms. Hooker also conveyed her condolences to the families of the victims of the disaster and expressed satisfaction at being able to extend assistance during this challenging period.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake conveyed his appreciation for the assistance provided by the President of the United States and the government in dispatching various relief teams to the country during this challenging period. The President also acknowledged the sincere support offered to Sri Lanka by all friendly nations globally, including the United States.
President Dissanayake highlighted that Sri Lanka encountered this disaster while the nation’s economy was on the path to stabilization and economic indicators were showing improvement. He emphasized the need for future focus on enhancing the livelihoods of those affected and on the long-term development of infrastructure facilities.
The President stated that restoring infrastructure, including highways and railways, as well as key income sources such as agriculture, livestock and small to medium-sized enterprises, which have been devastated by floods and landslides, will require time. He also expressed the expectation of support from all friendly nations in this effort.
The Under Secretary of State emphasized that the United States has drawn its attention to restarting discussions regarding US tariffs. Additionally, she expressed support for enhancing tourism between the United States and Sri Lanka, as well as for the growth of trade and maritime operations between the two nations. Furthermore, she highlighted U.S. support for Sri Lanka’s initiatives to combat drug-related issues.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake noted that a significant number of American tourists have visited the country recently and that Sri Lanka anticipates a continued increase in such arrivals. He acknowledged the support of the U.S. government in assisting the Sri Lankan people to overcome the ongoing disaster and improve their quality of life.
The meeting was attended by Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr. Harshana Suriyapperuma and members of the U.S. diplomatic mission, including U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Ms. Julie Chang.
President’s Fund supports renovation of Wijewardane Children’s Home in Panadura
Level III landslide early warnings issued to the Districts of Kandy, Kegalle, Kurunegala and Matale extended
Bulgarian PM and government resign after mass protests
Austria bans headscarves in schools for under-14s
Sri Lanka grateful for the support extended by the United States and other friendly nations following the recent disaster – President
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