As Sri Lanka embarks on a process of trade liberalization, either through unilateral measures like the steady removal of para-tariffs, or bilateral tariff reduction through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), there is a need to manage the potential challenges that domestic industries would face. In order to do this, the Government envisaged introducing 'trade adjustment' to improve the competitiveness of firms and workers. It was recognised that the Sri Lankan economy shows several frictions that could prevent it from fully benefiting from openness to international trade and the challenges that opening up after years of protectionism can create. In the short to medium-term, either due to the nature of trade liberalization (TL) or due to inherent rigidities in the Sri Lankan market, there is a need facilitate the conditions for smoother transition so that it creates a win-win situation for everyone. As such, a trade adjustment program (TAP) is needed to help firms and workers better adjust to new market conditions brought on by trade liberalization.
The World Expo is one of the oldest and largest international events taking place every 5 years and lasting for 6 months where everyone can learn, innovate and create progress by sharing ideas and working together through a common theme. United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been selected as the host country for the forthcoming event to be held in year 2020. This World Expo will be held for a period of six months from 20th October 2020 to 10th April 2021 in Dubai under the theme "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future". The World Expo in Dubai in 2020 will be the first to be held in the MENA & SA (Middle East and North Africa & South Asia) Region.
The sixth seminar for the North Central Province entrepreneurs on the national program of developing 2000 New Exporters will be held on February 22, 2019 at The Golden Mango Resort, Anuradhapura (Jayanthi Mawatha, Anuradhapura). 1st Seminar was held on March 23, 2017 launching the programme for Northern Province Entrepreneurs in Jaffna and the second phase of the Seminar was held in Kandy for the Central Province Entrepreneurs. The third phase was held for the Southern Province entrepreneurs in Matara. The fourth phase was held for the North Western Province entrepreneurs in Kurunegala. The fifth seminar was held for the Sabaragamuwa Province entrepreneurs in Kegalle.