Millaniya Industrial City to be developed as Eco-Friendly Zone: Minister Abesinghe

Kalutara, July 18 (Daily Mirror) – The government has taken steps to develop the Millaniya Industrial City in the Kalutara District as an environmentally sustainable industrial zone, with a strong focus on protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for surrounding communities, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chaturanga Abesinghe said.

He made these remarks during an inspection tour of the “Rayigampura Green Industrial Development Zone” in Millaniya on July 17.

The industrial city has received cabinet approval for a total area of 200 acres, of which 100 acres will be preserved for the environmental system. Only 87 acres will be used for actual development work, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint.

The first phase of the project will be developed on 24 acres with an investment of Rs. 3,837 million. It is expected to generate approximately 1,180 jobs. So far, the government has spent Rs. 908 million on the project, with plans to establish at least 24 industries on the site by 2026.

Deputy Minister Abesinghe noted that while increasing industrial and value-added production is a key goal of the government, a major challenge has been the lack of available land in the Western Province. Currently, 173 industrialists have requested land from the Ministry, but there is a shortage of suitable space.

To address this, the government is prioritizing stalled industrial projects like the Millaniya development and aims to complete them in collaboration with local communities.

“Our goal is to implement this project in a way that protects the environment, meets public expectations, and resolves concerns through transparency and community cooperation,” he said.