Local Industrial Development Program provides assistance to empower the regional industries in North Central Province

On May 16, 2025, JICA’s program for Local Industrial Development in North Central Province (NCP), led by JICA-dispatched advisor Mr. Suzuki, handed over equipment, including a printer and a computer, to Industrial Development Authority (IDA) under the NCP Provincial Council.

Since its launch in March 2024, the said program has been aiming to strengthen the capacity of IDA with focus on encouraging small and medium-sized local enterprises and promoting sustainable industrial growth across the region. As a part of this program, selected local industries, based on a set of priority criteria established, receive assistance from IDA and the program as pilot initiatives, thereby expected to demonstrate as local business models.

The aforementioned equipment is subsequently leased through a subsidized scheme by IDA to Mana Ceylon Manufacturers (Pvt) Ltd in Anuradhapura. It is expected to improve the design and production quality of the company’s natural handmade paper products, enhancing its competitiveness in both local and international markets.

The handover event was conducted with attendance of the Chief Secretary of the Provincial Council, the Chairman of the IDA, representatives from the District and Divisional Secretariats, and members of the local community, JICA Advisor and JICA Sri Lanka office, demonstrating strong regional commitment to industrial development.