Industrialists to be boosted

by Divakara Mohotti, Kalutara group correspondent

'The desire of President Rajapakse is to complete all industrial projects and show improvement within a short period', said Industrial Development Minister Kumara Welgama.

The Nagoda industrial zone will commence within the next ninety days in a fresh atmosphere, the Minister said.

He was addressing a meeting for industrialists in the Kalutara district.

The Embilipitiya Paper Mill which produced fifty tons of paper per day was closed down.

The Ceramic Corporation is not producing a single plate or cup today. The problem is lack of necessary porcelain.

The Eppawela phosphate deposit could produce fifty thousand tons a day and could fulfil the 50 per cent of national fertiliser requirement, but it remains dull, he stated.

"I will take steps in putting these mills into operation soon, he said.

I will also give my fullest support to any industrialist in Kalutara or elsewhere, if they are willing to start any industrial project for the country's development."

Ministry Secretary Jayampathy Hettiarachchi pledged to do everything necessary to motivate the industrialists in their endeavour to establish more and more industries.

Discussions regarding these projects will be of great importance to avoid shortcomings, he said. Naleen M. Dias (Emerald International), M. M. A. Wahab (City Cycles), Ministry Additional Secretary and the Director of Industry Western Province also spoke.