Meeting with development partners to streamline efforts and explore collaborations to support the implementation of the ISB Strategy.

The effective implementation of the recently launched National Strategy to Promote Inclusive & Sustainable Business to achieve the SDGs in Sri Lanka (ISB Strategy) depends on strong collaborations and partnerships - government agencies, private sector, civil organizations, international organizations, and academia need to play a crucial role in leveraging expertise and resources towards improved policy execution, facilitate knowledge sharing, and promote the adoption of sustainable business practices nationwide.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Industries and the Industrial Development Board (IDB), the Sustainable Development Council (SDC) convened a meeting with development partners last week to streamline the efforts of development partners in this area and to explore collaborations and partnerships to support the implementation of the ISB Strategy.

The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Shantha Weerasinghe, Secretary of the Ministry of Industries, Ms. Chamindry Saparamadu, Director General of SDC and Dr. Saranga Alahapperuma, Chairman of IDB and was attended by senior representatives of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), United Nations Development Programmes (UNDP) Sri Lanka, United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), Connect to Care – Representative of Bill Gates Foundation in Sri Lanka, United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Climate Adaptation Project and senior officials of the Ministry of Industries.

During the discussions, the need for coordinated delivery of business capacity building and entrepreneur development programmes was highlighted in addition to the need for coordinated efforts towards strengthening the financing and investment eco-system for businesses in Sri Lanka.