Cyclone Ditwah exposes deep issues in Sri Lanka’s MSME sector By Bandula Sirimanna View(s): View(s):The Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprise (MSME) sector contributing over 52 per cent of Sri Lanka’s GDP and accounting for nearly 75 per cent of the country’s entrepreneurial base has once again proven to be both the backbone and the most vulnerable pillar of the national economy. Under these circumstances, Cyclone Ditwah struck a devastating blow. Initial assessments by a special support centre established under the Ministry of Industries indicate that at least 13,698 businesses have been affected. These are 5,639 micro enterprises, 4,636 small businesses, 2,986 medium-scale enterprises, and 437 large-scale enterprises. Without such reforms, Cyclone Ditwah may stand not only as a natural disaster, but as a warning of systemic economic fragility yet to be addressed.

Source: Sunday Times December 20, 2025 21:43 UTC