President announces ambitious plan to transform Hambantota into economic hub

• Shares vision to transform area into tourism, industry, trade and port activities
• Reveals involvement of China Merchant Company and Surbana Jurong to develop comprehensive plan for expansion
• Plans to allocate 4,000 acres for large-scale planning zone, including introduction of Sinopec refinery

President Ranil Wickremesinghe

President Ranil Wickremesinghe announced his vision to transform the region into a major hub for tourism, industry, trade and port activities. 

Speaking during an election campaign rally in Hambantota, he assured commitment to improving the livelihoods of Sri Lankans. 

Wickremesinghe underscored his commitment to developing the Hambantota Port, noting the involvement of China Merchant Company and Surbana Jurong. 

“The two firms have developed a comprehensive plan for expansion,” Wickremesinghe added.

He also announced a plan to allocate 4,000 acres for a large-scale planning zone in the area, including the introduction of the Sinopec refinery, Sri Lanka’s second refinery.

“With these initiatives, we aim to transform Hambantota into a hub for tourism, industry, trade, and port activities over the next five years. Let us work together to achieve this progress,” he added.

He urged the public to join him in working toward these ambitious goals, emphasising that this development would secure the region’s economic future and enhance the prosperity of its residents.

Wickremesinghe stressed that increasing national production and strengthening the rupee would help alleviate the financial burden on citizens. The President also highlighted initiatives to create job opportunities for youth.

Wickremesinghe outlined a strategy to boost economic relief by increasing income levels, distinguishing his policies from those of other Presidential candidates. 

He stressed the importance of responsible leadership, highlighting that safeguarding the nation’s economy requires sound management practices. 

He warned against trusting the country’s future to leaders who lack fundamental economic knowledge and make unrealistic promises. 

Reflecting on his tenure since taking office, Wickremesinghe noted, “In 2022, I took over a country in collapse. Despite scepticism, we have made significant progress, thanks in part to the support of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna led by Mahinda Rajapaksa.” 

Acknowledging the contributions of Sri Lanka’s farmers, Wickremesinghe praised the successful 2023 Maha and Yala harvests, which he credited with stabilising the economy. “Our farmers have played a crucial role in achieving economic stability,” he said, expressing gratitude for their efforts.

He highlighted that Sri Lanka’s gross domestic product (GDP) reached $ 84 billion in 2023 and noted that the Government tripled the Samurdhi grant for low-income families under the Aswasuma program. Wickremesinghe outlined various economic relief measures, including plans for a fertiliser subsidy to boost sugarcane cultivation.