Sri Lanka, Nov. 16 -- Women's Chamber of Industry and Commerce (WCIC) officials said the 2026 Budget offers a positive signal for women-owned businesses especially through its SME focused and mention of women entrepreneur allocation.

However, the Chamber notes that realising the opportunity will depend significantly on how well the programs reach women entrepreneurs address structural gender barriers (finance, formalisation, childcare/family demands and market access) how effectively women business stakeholders engage to ensure the design works for them.

WCIC also welcomes the Government decision to enable funds to accelerate a startup ecosystem and QR code payments less than Rs. 5,000 made free is a positive step for SMEs.

Consolidati...