Altogether, the project has set up 92 enterprises involving 840 direct beneficiaries with around 2,500 dependents, he told a meeting Thursday.
It also gave training to people in seven selected communities in the area.
"The surest way to take people out of poverty is employment," Madihahewa said.
"In countries where there are constraints in promoting formal employment, the policies for reducing poverty should be aimed at stimulating investment and output growth in the non-formal segment and ensuring employment," he said.
"In this context, CB-TREE provides a practical methodology for promoting non-formal employment generation."
The programme is a tool to promote income-generation and self-employment for the poor and in developing economic and infrastructure support systems for their communities.
Madihahewa also noted the project's effectiveness in mobilising housewives to engage in economic activities.
"The flexible work arrangements in the new project activities have helped these women to fulfil their domestic obligations as mothers and wives, while engaging in economic activities which help them to contribute to their family income."
The women have also shown leadership qualities in their new roles as partners in their business ventures.
"These are positive developments in our efforts in promoting decent work in the rural areas and the informal economy."
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