First factory under 300 programme begins in Yapahuwa

NEW FACTORY: Construction work of the first factory in the Nipayum Sri Lanka programme under the Mahinda Chinthana 300 Factories programme was launched at Kattamberiya, Nikawehera in the Yapahuwa electorate on Monday.

Construction of the factory is expected to be completed within six months.

The factory built by Ocean Lanka Exports at a cost of Rs. 36 million will provide employment to 380 in the area in the initial stage. The owners expect to expand the factory providing employment to 1000 people in the second stage.

Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Rohitha Bogollagama said that President Mahinda Rajapakse has launched a clear policy with a well-structured plan for Industrial Development in the country. "Within 87 days of the Budget 2006 presented to Parliament, the Government was able to launch a massive development drive due to a clear economic policy. "Under the scheme every divisional secretry's division in the country will have a factory," the Minister said. The Minister said that Ambanpola and Mahawa divisions would also have new factories coming up under the programme.

"We command 3% of the apparel market worldwide. By improving the quality of our products we can reach higher levels in the international market," the Minister said.

Minister of Road Development and Deputy Minister of Public Administration T. B. Ekanayake said that in order to develop rural road network, the Japanese Government has agreed to provide the necessary machinery to set up units in Divisional Secretariat level.

"One of the main attractions for investors in Malaysia is their superior road network and we are planning to develop a similar one for Sri Lanka, " he said.

Chairman Ocean Lanka Exports Saman Priyantha Owitagama, Senior Advisor Ministry of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion Lal Kumara Gamage, Additional Director General BOI Dr. Bandula Perera were also present at the meeting.