Vast development in Godagama with SEZ establishment

MATARA: The proposed Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Godagama, Matara will increase the comparative advantage of Matara as an economic hub in the South by expanding its non-commercial functions into Godagama Node while optimising the land utilisation of Greater Matara Urban Region for competitive uses through an implementation of futuristic renewal programme, Investment Promotion Minister Navin Dissanayake said.

Comprising 680 ha, the Zone is 125 km away from Colombo at the terminal end of the Southern Express way. This will provide high-speed connectivity to the main sea port and the Colombo, capital city of the country (estimated travel time two hours).

The Minister was speaking at a progress review meeting held at the Matara Kachcheri on May 24 to ascertain the progress made on land acquisition and provision of infrastructure facilities for the establishment of the SEZ in Godagama, Matara.

The proposed Zone will accommodate projects such as fisheries, agro-based and agro-processing, cold storage and logistics centres, knowledge based industries based on information and communication technology, mega projects and other manufacturing industries.

Godagama will be developed as a main industrial township in the Southern region. The Southern Express way will provide access to the proposed zone once it is completed. Access to the proposed site is currently through local 'B' class roads off the Matara - Akuressa Highway and from Weligama.

It is proposed to improve the access to SEZ from Matara by widening of Matara-Akuressa Road by linking the Southern Express way from Godagama.

Officials of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka has commenced detail studies to ascertain the future demand of infrastructure facilities such as water, power, sewerage capacity etc.

Godagama will be transformed into new industrial township which would accommodate industrial parks, housing complex, sports complex, multi-model transport centre etc.