President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has pointed out that undue interference by the Government could interrupt the progress of small-scale enterprises. “What is required is the provision of facilities and assistance for skills development.”

President made these comments during a meeting with the representatives of beauty culture and hairdressing business held at the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday (25), the President’s Media Division said.

Enhancing professional standards of those who are engaged in beauty culture and hairdressing, provide financial assistance and increasing trade promotion capabilities are the responsibilities of the Government, he has pointed out.

Upon the request of the many who were present at the meeting, President has agreed to ensure the assistance of the National Enterprise Development Authority to the beauty culture sector. President emphasized that this is not to bind them but to contribute to meet their demands.

There are around 90,000 small, medium and large-scale beauty salons in the country with a workforce of more than 400,000. Around 1.5 million families depend on the industry. Provision of required training to maintain the beauty culture as a standard profession was discussed in length. President directed the officials to take measures to conduct NVQ Level 05, 06 and 07 in Sinhala, Tamil and English medium.

The representatives commended the President for his understanding of the prevailing issues in the industry.

Minister Dinesh Gunawardene, Secretary to the President P. B. Jayasundera and ministerial secretaries, Chairman of the National Enterprise Development Authority Anushka Gunasinghe and several experts in the beauty culture and hairdressing industry were present at this discussion.