He pointed out that this would assist Sri Lanka to continue increasing its exports and investment in line with the Government targets of doubling exports by 2020. Under this project, entrepreneurs who are capable of increasing agri products exports by introducing new technologies for increasing productivity and quality, would be encouraged by providing finance through a grant scheme provided by the World Bank.

This latest project will promote market access, value addition, improve technology usage and increase linkages between the private sector and farmers. Commenting on the proposed salary hike for MPs, Minister Gamage said that a salary hike for Parliamentarians is needed for carrying out development activities and to look after the needs of the villagers. Otherwise, the MP should have inherited money or the MP could turn to corruption, he added.