Iran pledges support to construct industrial park

Mohammed Naalir

An Iranian delegation which met Minister of Urban and Sacred Area Development, Dinesh Gunawardene yesterday pledged its assistance to construct an industrial park in Sri Lanka while expressing confidence in the Government's development projects.

Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Minister Dinesh Gunawardene held extensive discussions with the delegates of Iran who are in Sri Lanka participating in the Iran Trade Exhibition at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Conventional Centre.

The Minister briefed the delegation on the Government's ongoing development projects including the Panchikawatta Triangle Development project and Battaramulla Administrative Complex Development Project.

He said President Mahinda Rajapaksa's recent visit to Iran has brought massive Iranian investments to Sri Lanka.

Iranian investors have placed great confidence in Sri Lanka by investing in the Panchikawatta Triangle Development Project, Battaramulla Administrative Development Project and East Bera Development Project.

"The Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Ministry plans to construct a 60 storeyed building in Battaramulla costing US$ 26 million", he said.

The Government plans to develop the transport sector in four stages. The Berawewa East area too will be developed costing US$ 30 million.

Under a special development project a railway line will be laid from Ratmalana to Battaramulla.

Surath Wickramasinghe Associates Chairman, Dr. Surath Wickramasinghe said that the cost of the proposed Panchikawatta development project is estimated at US$ 600 million.

Under this triangle project, an international trade centre, cultural centre and a housing complex will be constructed.

He said all infrastructure facilities including electricity and water will be provided.

Tax relief will be given on the imports of machinery and spare parts.

An environment development project is also planned in parallel to the main project.

Prof. Isthikaham, Dr.Shariya Madani and Dr. Hug Wardi participated in the discussion on behalf of Iran while Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana, Dr. Surath Wickramasinghe and several other officers represented Sri Lanka.