Govt. rolls out new investment zones

• Five earmarked, 400 acres in Raigama and Elpitiya to be set up initially 

The establishment of new “super zones” in Hambantota, Raigama, Mahaoya and Trincomalee along with a 200-acre value added processing zone in Elpitiya was approved by Cabinet yesterday. 

The super zones for industrial and techno development are part of the Government’s plans to establish 11 new industrial and techno parks with modern infrastructure and services on par with modern industrial and techno parks in South Asia. 

Rs.500 million was allocated in Budget 2016 for this purpose and the areas of Hambantota, Raigama, Mahaoya and Trincomalee were identified by the Industry and Commerce Ministry. 

The Raigma one is to be rolled out first. 

“Priority will be given to establish the industries of manufacturing and the assembling of electric and electronic accessories, packages, value added agricultural products, rubber- and plastic-based products, garments and accessories, and medicine products in the proposed site,” the Cabinet paper said. 

Following Cabinet approval, the Government will pay compensation to the Horana Plantation Company for 200 acres, which will then be taken over by the Ministry. An additional Rs. 600 million is to be paid to build infrastructure including a waste water management system.  The project will be overseen by the Industrial Technology Institute and the Central Engineering Consultation Bureau (CECB). 

“Qualified industrialists” are to be selected through a transparent process recommended by the Regional Industrial Services Committee.              

As part of a Government policy to establish 23 agriculture mega zones, a processing zone will be set up in Elpitiya, Galle. The 200-acre zone will be set up from land acquired from Elpitiya Plantations under a joint proposal made by Plantation Minister Navin Dissanayake, Media Minister Gayantha Karunathilaka and Primary Industries Minister Daya Gamage.