Plans afoot to designate 1% of total land area for industrial use: Industry Minister

Dr. Ramesh Pathirana 

The government yesterday announced that plans are afoot to designate one percent of the nation’s total land area for industrial use, to help improve industrial activity.
Industry and Health Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana stated the decision is taken due to the limited availability of land for industrial purposes in Sri Lanka.
“Sri Lanka faces limitations in the available land for industrial purposes, hindering the growth of our industrial sector. To address this, measures are being taken to expand industrial land allocation,” he said.
The National Policy for Industrial Development of Sri Lanka has been meticulously formulated and presented to the Cabinet. It has gained approval for inclusion in Sri Lanka’s National Policy Framework (2023-2048) by the Committee on Economic Stabilisation Revitalisation and Growth Enhancement.
Furthermore, a comprehensive five-year strategic plan related to the industrial policy has been developed and its implementation is already underway within the ministry.
The process of amending Industrial Promotion Act No. 46 of 1990, to align with current and future requirements, has reached its conclusion. The initial draft, along with recommendations from the Drafting Department, has been finalised.
Additionally, the second draft related to the formulation of the national policy regarding automobile production, including assembly and manufacturing of automobile components, has been completed. This draft has been submitted to relevant stakeholders and after productive discussions, the national policy concerning vehicle assembly is nearing its finalisation.
Committees appointed to review the initial draft of the E-Vehicle Guideline have provided valuable suggestions. Taking these recommendations into account, work on the revised guidelines has commenced and is expected to conclude shortly. Furthermore, approval has been granted for the establishment of 15 new institutions associated with car assembly and car parts production in 2023.
As part of the special national programme for creating industrial zones and industries at the regional and district levels, essential development activities are underway at identified regional industrial estates that can be swiftly completed. 

This initiative encompasses 32 existing industrial estates and the creation of six new ones in Aluthapola, Dambulla, Sandamalgama, Suriyawewa, Mahawa and Wellawaya. Additionally, plans are in place to establish a 100-acre industrial park in the Katunayake Katana area, equipped with the necessary facilities for electric vehicle assembly and accessory production.
Furthermore, three new industrial posts are in the process of being established, including Milleniya in the Kalutara district, Elpitiya in the Galle district and Poththapitiya in the Kandy district.