The Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development, in partnership with the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing (SLIM), has launched a pilot programme to transform selected public sector officers into high-level business advisors, with the aim of strengthening support for small enterprise development in the Western Province.

Launched on 4 July, this pilot initiative focuses on Development Officers (DOs) and Enterprise Development Training Officers (EDTOs) serving in the Western Province under the Small Enterprise Development Division (SEDD) of the Ministry. Under the new programme, they will be designated as “Relationship Officers” and trained to offer high-quality business advisory services.

What makes this programme unique is the active involvement of SLIM, which has stepped in to provide internationally recognised training. A total of 50 selected officers will undergo a professional course designed to enhance their skills, capabilities, attitudes, and overall business advisory capacity, turning them into highly competent and practical business advisors.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe emphasised, “I see this transformation of Relationship Officers (ROs) as the creation of a vital and influential team that will directly impact the success of entrepreneurs. This will enhance their own skills, perspectives, and direction.”

Through this initiative, they are given the opportunity to become organic contributors to the national plan. This is truly a role that goes ‘beyond employment’, Abeysinghe said.

The event was attended by Anoja Herath, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development; Yasas Hewage, Private Secretary to Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe; Professor Dewasiri Jayantha, Chairman of SLIM; Dr. Dilhan Sampath, Vice Chairman of SLIM; Manoj Priyantha, Director of the Small Enterprise Development Division; and a number of SEDD officers from the Western Province. (Newswire)

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The Former Secretary and the former Planning Director of the Provincial Road Development Ministry of the Sabaragamuwa Provincial Council have been arrested over investigations into a financial fraud of Rs. 71,645,226.32.

The suspects, a 62-year-old man and a 52-year-old woman, both residents of Ratnapura, were arrested on Monday by the Police Financial, Commercial Crimes Investigation Division. 

They have been arrested on charges of signing documents for the release of vouchers related to 77 projects of the Embilipitiya Pradeshiya Sabha for the years 2016 and 2017. 

The suspects have been remanded until 08 May after being produced before the Embilipitiya Magistrate’s Court yesterday. (Newswire)

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Election monitoring body, the People’s Action for Free & Fair Elections (PAFFREL) has raised concerns over a special religious observance organized at the Kataragama Kiriviharaya this week to invoke blessings on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

In a letter to the Election Commission Chairman, PAFFREL Executive Director Rohana Hettiarachchi said the Ministry of Public Affairs has informed all district and provincial secretaries to participate in the religious observance that has been organized for this Saturday (Aug 10).

Rohana Hettiarachchi pointed out that as district and provincial secretaries are appointed as district returning officers or assistant officers for the election, it was unlawful for them to attend any event related to the Prime Minister ahead of the upcoming election.

He further said that, if the district returning officers, who have a special role in the election process, participate in this kind of event, doubts will arise about them in the society, and the integrity of the election will be seriously affected.

If there is distrust among the other officials working under the district returning officers, such a situation can also negatively impact the election process, he pointed out. 

The PAFFREL Executive Director said it is their opinion that the district returning officers, who play a crucial role in the election process, should not be called for the religious observance organized for the PM.

As such, Rohana Hettiarachchihas requested the National Election Commission to look into the matter and take appropriate measures. (Newswire)

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