The Industrial Development Board (IDB) is strengthening school-level entrepreneurship development across Sri Lanka through its School Industry Entrepreneurship Circle (SIEC) Programme 2026, an initiative designed to nurture entrepreneurial thinking, innovation and practical skills among schoolchildren by connecting classroom learning with real-world industrial experiences.
The programme provides students with opportunities to identify problems and challenges in their schools, homes and communities and develop innovative solutions with the potential to become viable products or services. Through the guidance of teachers and technical expertise provided by the IDB, students are encouraged to transform their ideas into practical prototypes, evaluate production costs, understand market requirements and explore potential business opportunities.
Aligning with National Education Reforms
The SIEC Programme complements the education reforms announced by Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Higher Education and Vocational Education, Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, to introduce entrepreneurship and financial literacy into the Grade 6 curriculum from 2027.
The proposed reforms emphasize the importance of equipping students with financial knowledge, entrepreneurial competencies and the ability to make informed decisions. They also aim to develop awareness of financial fraud, strengthen social responsibility and encourage active participation in a production-oriented economy while promoting environmental sustainability.
In this context, the SIEC Programme serves as a practical platform through which students can develop these competencies from an early stage of their education.
Islandwide Teacher Awareness Programme Underway
As part of the implementation of the SIEC Programme 2026, the IDB has commenced an islandwide teacher awareness programme, with the initial sessions successfully launched in the Jaffna and Trincomalee districts. The programme is being extended to other districts across the country.
These awareness sessions aim to familiarize principals and teachers with the objectives and implementation process of the SIEC Programme, including establishing entrepreneurship circles in schools, mentoring student teams and facilitating their engagement in innovative and industry-oriented projects.
The sessions also highlight the technical and institutional support available through the IDB to guide students throughout the development of their entrepreneurial initiatives.
From Innovative Ideas to Practical Solutions
Under the SIEC Programme, students are encouraged to work collaboratively to identify practical problems and develop innovative solutions. For example, students may explore opportunities to develop value-added products using locally available raw materials, such as coconut-based products, while assessing production costs, identifying potential customers and exploring ways to minimize waste.
The programme adopts a collaborative approach involving students, teachers, parents, communities and the IDB. Students take the lead in developing their projects, while teachers provide educational guidance and parents contribute practical knowledge and community-level support.
The IDB plays a key role by providing technical and industry-related guidance, including assistance in prototype development, product improvement, costing, marketing and identifying potential market opportunities as projects progress.
Through this process, students gain valuable practical experience in problem-solving, teamwork, financial management, innovation and effective communication. They also develop an understanding of how an initial idea can be transformed into a tested prototype and a potential business venture.
Building the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
The SIEC Programme aims to create an enabling environment for schoolchildren to discover their entrepreneurial potential and develop the knowledge, confidence and practical skills required to become future entrepreneurs and innovators.
The IDB extends its appreciation to the principals and teachers who participated in the initial awareness programmes conducted in Jaffna and Trincomalee and invites schools across Sri Lanka to actively engage in this initiative.
Through the continued collaboration of the education sector and the industrial community, the IDB remains committed to nurturing a new generation of innovative, responsible and industry-oriented young entrepreneurs who can contribute to the sustainable development of Sri Lanka’s economy.
Venue: Jaffna
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