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Develop local infrastructure to attract foreign investors- Minister Attanayake

by S.M. Jiffrey Abdeen - Kandy South group correspondent

A fast developing country should develop at an equal pace its road transport, railway transport, sea transport and harbour facilities, domestic and international aviation facilities, computer and associated technologies, electricity and uninterrupted water supply and if these amenities are made available, then it could attract foreign investors to come and invest in this country which will bring about further development, said the Minister of Central Region Development Tissa Attanayake.

He made these observations as the Chief Guest of the ceremony held in connection with the distribution of goods to the Community Development Centres held at the auditorium of the Community Centre at Teldeniya.

Minister Attanayake said that the UNF government has taken into consideration the importance and the absolute necessity to provide these facilities to attract foreign investment and has made provision for a 'Road Development Fund' in its budget for 2003 for the maintenance of the Colombo - Kandy and Colombo - Matara express highways and other main truck roads so that there will be a good transport network.

The transport facilities will be further upgraded by having a number of local airports for domestic flights as foreign investors consider the time factor very important and quick inland travel of paramount importance.

He said that the government will also take steps to improve the power supply facilities so that there will be an uninterrupted supply of electricity and also computer and communication facilities will be available in all parts of the country to win the hearts of the foreign and local investors to provide them with a climate for investment.

Minister Attanayake said in the past it was the State which provided all these facilities but this has been found falling short of requirements hence the government has also invited the participation of the private sector in various projects. This is the present day trend and the private sector plays an important role in community development projects. Provision of new facilities and upgrading of the existing facilities will not only attract foreign investors but also uplift the standard of living of the people as there will be more jobs created and also an overall improvement in aspects of living.

Also present on this occasion were members of the Central Provincial Council D.M. Karunaratne, Mahinda Wijesiri, Chairman of the Meda Dumbara Pradeshiya Sabha Chandra Ekanayake, the Secretary of the Meda Dumbara Divisional Secretariat and other State officials.

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