Industrial Development Ministry approves 51 projects

DANKOTUWA: Industrial Development Minister Kumara Welgama stated that steps would be taken to reduce electricity charges by using natural gas and coal to generate electricity.

Minister Welgama said that Industrialists make requests to reduce electricity charges and by the proposed new system their requests could be definitely fulfilled.

The Minister expressed these ideas after opening another two factories belonging to the Divisional Secretariat division based on 300 factories programme in Dankotuwa recently.

Nearly 500 employment opportunities have been provided by these factories and one factory named "Hero Zippers" manufactures zippers for garments. it has invested Rs. 41 million. The second factory by M.A.M. Rubber Industries, manufactures tyres for forklifts and it has invested Rs. 128 million.

The Industrial Development Ministry has approved 51 projects under the Gamata Karmantha programme up to now which would provide 12,039 jobs and Rs. 9550 million has been invested.

The construction of 23 factories is underway. Direct employment opportunities could be provided to 5428 people," the Minister added.

"Today we opened two factories under the Divisional Secretariat Division based 300 factories programme, which would commence production shortly."

The President is keen to protect and uplift the local industrialists. Through these factories direct or indirect employment would be provided to around 1000 people.

Minister Welgama stated that he and his staff are ready to provide solutions to the problems and issues faced by industrialists every working day.