Financial Times

Small industries by rich men!
The owner of a pioneering local industry was recently shocked to learn that a small industry in Sri Lanka was categorised by the government as being an investment of Rs. 3.0 million and over!

"What happens to hundreds of small industries which have a much lower investment? Is the government ignoring them?" he asked. The industrialist was given this response when he approached an official in the Ministry of Industries for assistance.

"Small industrialists are scared to speak the truth due to harassment by various authorities," he said requesting the newspaper not to disclose his identity for fear of official harassment. He said despite being in the business for more than 20 years, he is yet to get any support from the government.

Officials at the Industries Ministry, under whatever government, have often said that loans to small industries would be given if applicants have immovable collateral to offer. "If that is the case, I don't need to go to the government for assistance. I can go to a bank," he said.

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