Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Sunil Handunnetti, has unveiled plans for a new digital facility aimed at resolving industrial sector issues at the district level, eliminating the need for industrialists to travel to Colombo.
Speaking at an event in Ratnapura, Minister Handunnetti emphasized that the Ministry of Industries should serve the people where they operate, ensuring convenient access to services.
“If industries are located in villages, then ministry services should be available at the district level. Our future program, modernized with technology, will allow problems to be solved directly from the factory—a method we call ‘solving problems from a single window,’” he explained.
Addressing bureaucratic inefficiencies, the minister noted that business approvals currently take up to 1.5 years, often leading to bribery.
“Entrepreneurs face unnecessary delays, forcing them to resort to bribes. The government has already increased salaries for public officials, so they must now work with integrity, free from corruption,” he stated.
To enhance transparency and efficiency, Minister Handunnetti also announced plans to digitize all government payments, urging entrepreneurs to refuse bribery.
“Bribes exist only if you offer them. We are committed to eliminating corruption through digital solutions,” he affirmed.
