The Finance minister, in his budget speech, expressed several proposals with regard to the production and investment sectors.
• Opportunities in local and foreign markets for fruit, vegetable and liquid dairy production.
• Private sector is encouraged to produce pharmaceutical drugs locally.
• New market opportunities for the apparel industry. USD 1 billion annual foreign exchange expected through apparel sector developments.
• Prices of raw material needed for electronic manufacturing to be reduced.
• Sri Lanka to be developed as a wellness tourism and event tourism destination.
• Women entrepreneurs to be provided with uncultivated lands to encourage local agriculture. The government to create agro parks.
• Green Agriculture Development Act to be introduced to safeguard farmers.
• Foreign investments to be encouraged by removing restrictions and simplifying existing regulations.
• Investors encouraged to build an international school and hospital in every district.
• Migrant workers to be provided with advanced knowledge and training. The opportunities for these workers to be increased through discussions with foreign missions.
• Discussions to be held with foreign parties to promote Green bond financing services to aid sustainable development.
• Over 80% of Sri Lankans are in jobs related to agriculture. Therefore the government will reinforce investments in this sector.
• Local organic fertilizer to be produced to meet the requirements of the 2022 Maha cultivation season.
• Rs. 5,000 million to be allocated to develop agrotechnology.
• Fresh milk production to be encouraged with an allocation of Rs. 1,000 million.
• Batik and handloom manufacturing sector to be aided with an allocation of Rs. 1000 million. Basic infrastructure to be developed with an allocation of Rs. 5,000 million.
• SME industries are encouraged to establish industries in other areas except for Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara in Western Province with special support in obtaining land, electricity and water.