## 📈 UN Support for Cyclone-Hit MSMEs in Sri Lanka

A high-level delegation from the UNDP and UNCDF recently concluded a visit to Sri Lanka (Feb 16–20) to establish a sustainable financing framework for businesses impacted by Cyclone Ditwah. • Core Objective: Designing a financially responsible mechanism to support recovery for micro, small, and medium-scale industrialists (MSMEs) following the cyclone's impact. • Strategic Focus: Risk Mitigation: Enhancing the capacity of small businesses to withstand future shocks. Financial Literacy: Improving economic resilience and recovery capabilities for entrepreneurs. Credit Support: Collaboration with the National Credit Guarantee Institution (NCGIL) and the Industrial Development Board (IDB) to facilitate access to capital. • Key Stakeholders: The initiative is a joint effort between the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and UN agencies, involving the Small Enterprise Development Division (SEDD) and the National Enterprise Development Authority (NEDA). • Context: This framework aims to build long-term economic stability for the MSME sector, which is critical for national employment and regional economic diversification post-disaster.