300 large scale industries under 'Mahinda Chintana'

COLOMBO: The Industrial Development Ministry has approved project proposals submitted by 20 industrialists under the Mahinda Chintana programme of setting up 300 large scale industries at the rate of one industry in each Divisional Secretariat division said Ministry Acting Secretary R.V.D. Piyatilleke.

The industries approved include milk products, garments, printing baby products, perfumes, vehicle repair and rubber based products. The construction of eight factories has already commenced and work on several others are due to commence later this month or early July.

The factories are scheduled to come up at Wennappuwa, Polonnaruwa, Bandaragama, Ratnapura, Kuruwita, Kalutara, Dodangoda, Horana, Dankotuwa, Matale, Panadura, Kurunegala, Matugama and Buttala.

The 300 factories programme is due to be completed by April 2008 and will create nearly 4,568 jobs and involve an investment of nearly Rs. 4,199 million.