The industrial sector recorded growth in the last few years from Rs 497 billion in 2005 to Rs 667 billion in 2008. In the apparel export sector the export earnings were Rs 291 billion in 2005 and by 2008 it increased to Rs 378 billion. The total export income has increased by Rs 170 billion from Rs 4,976 billion in 2005 to Rs 6,676 billion in 2008.

The apparel export income has also increased by Rs 87 billion compared to 2005 during the same period, said Secretary of the Industrial Development Ministry, R.V.D Piyatilake, addressing at a media briefing yesterday (22 March).

He further said that the Government is implementing various projects to bring industrial development to the rural sector under the Mahinda Chintana manifesto of establishing 300 new industries. Several industrial zones have been opened throughout the country.

Each zone has started on a land of about 20-25 acres. These projects help employees to work conveniently in their native places thus saving their money and time.

Under the Mahinda Chintana non-privatizing policy, various Government industries became profitable.

Those which were unprofitable before 2005 such as Kahatagaha Granite, Ceylon Cement Corporation and Northsea Limited are now making profits, quoting the Secretary, Daily News reported.