BOI invests Rs.763mn in Horana Export Processing Zone

The newfound government is accelerating its efforts to attract foreign direct investment (FDI) to the country by providing the much-needed infrastructure to the existing and new investors.

The Horana Economic Processing Zone (HEPZ) is a centre of attraction due to its location. One key feature of the BOI zones is the provision of services that enable the investors to operate their businesses smoothly and investors always prefer the ‘turnkey nature’ of these facilities. Electricity, water and drainage systems, inbound illumination systems and internal roads are the key attractions to the investors. These essential facilities enable the investors to conduct commercial operations or constructions immediately after signs of agreement with the BOI. 

The constituency of the HEPZ consists of more manufacturing-led investors and the wastewater treatment plant (CWWTP) is an integral part of the operation. Most importantly, the HEPZ’s long-term viability and compliance with the ESG framework of the organisation make it even better at meeting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 15).

Hence, it was identified by the BOI that the capacity of the existing CWWTP needs to increase its capacity, which is used for the treatment of wastewater discharges from industries at the HEPZ and therefore, augmentation of the CWWTP up to a capacity of 3000 m³ per day is essential to cater to the present influent volume of 1750 m³/day and forecasted additional volume of wastewater generated from the expansion of the existing projects and new projects to be established in vacant lands while uplifting the environmental sustainability of the zone and mitigating the health issues.

The BOI Capital Budget lists this project as a priority activity to reduce any possible environmental impacts and meet the CEA’s requirements for getting an environmental protection licence (EPL) for the HEPZ.

The bids were invited through the national competitive bidding process, which had 11 bidders that submitted the bids and only four applicants were eligible for the detailed evaluation. Bids were evaluated at the evaluation stage. The technical evaluation committee (TEC) determined the least substantially responsive bidder that had fulfilled the relevant qualifications and experience required for awarding the contract.

Hence, the Cabinet of Ministers, by decision dated 05/06/2023, has granted approval for the proposed enhancement of the CWWTP at the HEPZ, utilising the BOI funds, after the competitive bidding process and technical evaluation are completed. On December 9, 2024, the Cabinet took the final decision and approved the contract award to Luminex PLC, located at No. 24, New Galle Road, Moratuwa.

The BOI always works with the Central Environmental Authority, takes necessary action to mitigate imminent adverse environmental and health issues and follows instructions to maintain the treatment efficiency of the existing wastewater treatment plant at the HEPZ. Because of this, the proposed addition should make the treatment system efficient and effective. Further, it will strengthen the existing CWWTP and fully meet the discharge effluent standards and CEA requirements.