The Sri Lankan Small and Rural Industries Ministry will develop 200 selected industrial villages investing 600 million rupee (around 6 million US dollars) in 2006, the Daily News reported Wednesday.

This is under the new efficient plans and projects to achieve the objective of developing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) while promoting value-added product manufacturing industries in the country.

Project Director Aruna Gunawardana said that the project considers the promoting of imagination, creativity and capability of local SMEs, making the target of increasing their contribution to the national economy.

"The project focuses on identifying the creativity and skills of each SME and other potentials at the selection procedure of villages," Gunawardana said.

The ministry expects to embark on an ambitious program focusing on value-added productivity in each village by promoting traditional local products such as pottery, leather, jewelry and coir as well as other new recognized products which are in high demand in the international market.

Source: Xinhua