The Ministry of Economic Development in Sri Lanka has a varied purview including regional and rural development, Poverty alleviation and empowerment of the poor and Travel and tourism industry development. It is led by the adept governance of Minister Basil Rajapaksa, assisted by the Deputy Ministers SM Chandrasena Muthiah, Susantha Punchinilame, Muthiah Muthu Sivalingam, MLAM Hisbulla.