BOI promotes investment in the South

As the Hambantota District has been earmarked for development a large number of investments are expected to flow into the region.

Currently there are 31 projects that operat in the Hambantota area with a total value of approximately Rs. 1,600 million.

These projects have generated 11,500 direct employment opportunities. The BOI plans to set up a large industrial zone and to facilitate the setting up of the Hambantota Oil Refinery. It is therefore important for the BOI to open a regional office in Hambantota to provide investors with an efficient service and assist them with their needs.

Acting Chief Minister V. K. Indika opened the office, while the BOI Chairman/Director General Dhammika Perera and senior BOI staff also participated.

The idea to set up an office in Hambantota was the brainchild of Dr Sarath Amunugama, Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion. Under the Mahinda Chinthana development program of the Government, areas that need to be economically developed will be assisted by infrastructure development and incentives to encourage investors.

The Hambantota District has always had considerable potential due to its strategic location at the southern tip of the island, making it a gateway to areas such as the Gulf, the Indian Subcontinent, the Far East and Australia.