President Mahinda Rajapaksa stated that Traditional Industries & Small Enterprise Development ministry officials should take all necessary steps to encourage local entrepreneurs to face global challenges.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa made these observations during a progress review meeting of the ministry of Traditional Industries & Small Enterprise Development held at the Temple Tress yesterday ( 15 July).

During the past years we have taken the pride of Sri Lanka to the world in different fields. Our people in this country have the knowledge to mesmerize the world. Now the time has come to instigate a revolution using our own knowledge and our recourses, the President said.

Ministry officials apprised the President regarding the measures taken by the ministry to enhance local industries. President ordered the officials to identify problems faced by the small scale businessmen at district levels and to provide solutions.

He also stressed the importance of upgrading and maintaining handicraft centres as a tourist attraction. Institutions such as "Janakala Centre" should not only be limited in urban areas but also these institutions should be expanded to the North and East.

President Rajapaksa pointed out that Palmyra industry should be further develop as an industry to strengthen the economic standard of the people in those areas.