2024
Mushroom Production Project - Swashakthi Bimmal Ekamuthuwa Society (Kurawalana) at Attanagalle Divisional Secretariat (DS)
The Swashakthi Bimmal Ekamuthuwa Society (Kurawalana) in Attanagalla DS stands as a community-driven development cluster project proposed by Ms. Wasanthi Senasinghe, Enterprise Development Officer at Attanagalle Divisional Secretariat.
On the 5th of July, 2024, a significant milestone was reached when NEDA officials visited the society to evaluate the feasibility of funding this promising project. The visit was honored by the presence of Hon. Mr. Prasanna Ranaweera, Minister of State for Small and Medium Enterprise Development. He was joined by key figures from NEDA, including Mr. Lasantha Kariyapperuma, Chairman/DG, Mr. Sashika De Mel, Assistant Director/EP, Ms. Bhagya Nakandala, EPO, Mr. Sasanka Weerasinghe, EPA, and Ms. Madushani Kaushalya, EPA.
The Swashakthi Bimmal Ekamuthuwa Society has shown sound potential, boasting an organized structure and significant participation from women in the community. However, to fully harness this potential, the society faces some critical challenges. The need for a proper mushroom farmhouse and essential equipment is paramount. Addressing these needs will not only boost productivity and reduce wastage but also enhance the overall economic impact on the local community.
Moreover, the society has underscored the collective benefits of operating as a cluster. This collaborative approach not only fosters a sense of unity but also drives efficiency and innovation, ensuring that the entire community thrives together.
Inlight of these facts, the project falls inline with concepts and the objectives of the cluster Development programme of NEDA.
NEDA has been carrying out the cluster development programme formally since 2022 to harness the collective benefit through regionally identified clusters of entrepreneurs. This approach aims to address the challenges faced by MSMEs, who are often isolated and struggling to scale up due to individual funding limitations.
During 2023, this programme involved 08 cluster projects and approximately 20-25 beneficiaries per cluster, with the implementation executed through the respective District / Divisional Secretariats. The benefits of this approach include cost reduction, resource efficiency via economies of scale, convenient maneuvering, as well as increased institutional support and training opportunities.
| Cluster Name | Society Name |
1 | Developing Cinnamon Producers – Mulatiyana Divisional Secretariat | Nil Diya Cinnamon Development Society |
2 | Natural Batik Cluster – Kahawatta Divisional Secretariat | ECO Abhiman Vyavasayakathwa Association |
3 | Empowering Ekel and Broom Related Coir Products for sustainable Development – Deraniyagala Divisional Secretariat | Deraniyagala Ekamuthu Ekel & Broom Producers Society |
4 | Bag Manufacturing Cluster – Akmeemana Divisional Secretariat | Lakmini Entrepreneurs Society |
5 | Handy Craft Development Cluster – Akmeemana Divisional Secretariat | Mihiliya Dinanni |
6 | Coconut Oil Manufacturing and Marketing Cluster – Eravur Divisional Secretariat | Self-Employment – Co-corporative Society Eravur – Coconut Oil Production |
7 | Empowering self-entrepreneur club “Eheli SEDA” with Canopies for sustainable Dev. in Eheliyagoda Divisional Secretariat | Eheli SEDA |
8 | Mushroom Cultivation Cluster Project – Mahara Divisional Secretariat | Ekamuthu Bimmal Society |