Sri Lanka’s Board of Investment (BOI) has unveiled plans to establish seven new investment zones across the country this year, in a major push to attract foreign direct investment (FDI), stimulate regional economic development, and create thousands of jobs.
BOI Chairman Arjuna Herath announced that the zones will be strategically located in the Northern, North Western, Eastern, and Southern Provinces, with a focus on sector-specific industries tailored to each region’s potential.
He said the initiative aims to decentralise investment, reduce unemployment, and unlock economic potential in underdeveloped regions.
Key Zones are as follows.
• Kankesanthurai (Northern Province): A 300-acre zone for apparel manufacturing and information technology projects.
• Paranthan (Northern Province): A 200-acre site dedicated to chemical and industrial manufacturing.
• Mankulam (Northern Province): Targeted for agriculture and fisheries-based export industries.
• Iranavila (North Western Province): Planned as a hub for tourism-related investment.
• Eravur (Eastern Province): Will support apparel sector supply chains through local raw material production.
• Hambantota (Southern Province): Set to become a centre for pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Chairman Herath said the initiative aims to decentralise investment, reduce unemployment, and unlock economic potential in underdeveloped regions.
The BOI also expects the new zones to significantly boost investor confidence and strengthen Sri Lanka’s position in key export sectors.
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