The shortage of skilled and educated workers has resulted in Sri Lankan entrepreneurs and SMEs struggling to build their business capacities, according to Minister of Industry and Commerce Rishad Bathiudeen.

He observed that this occurs despite SMEs comprising over 70 percent of the total number of enterprises in the economy, providing 45 percent of employment and contributing to 52 percent of the country’s GDP.

As only 16 percent of students in the country’s education system enter university, Bathiudeen noted that the government aims to foster an entrepreneurship and SME culture.

In addition, he stated that events such as the UNESCO-Asia and Pacific Regional Bureau for Education (APEID) Meeting on Entrepreneurship Education provide opportunities for entrepreneurs and SMEs looking to link with exports and the global marketplace.