217 BOI enterprises in operation despite COVID-19 crisis

Over 200 enterprises in the Free Trade Zones, employing over 30,000 workers, are currently in operation and contributing to economic development, despite partial shutdown to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in the country, the Government revealed yesterday.

Investment Promotion Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said 217 BOI enterprises are functioning after the Government allowed resumption of economic activities in the FTZs, subject to companies following strict health and safety guidelines.

He said these enterprises were allowed to operate despite the curfew in place in the country, after they sought Government permission whilst agreeing to deploy only 20% of the workforce.

Ranatunga said 48 enterprises employing 3,971 workers in the Katunayake FTZ, 35 enterprises with 6,938 employees in the Biyagama FTZ, and 20 in Kandy employing 2,689 workers, were operating. Other industrial zones in operation include: Seethawaka with 18 enterprises and 1,489 workers, Koggala with 19 enterprises and 4,092 workers, and Horana with 17 enterprises and 865 employees, as well as 10 in Wathupitiwala, 4 in Mawathagama, 5 in Polgahawela, 6 in Malwathuhiripitiya, 4 in Wagawatte, 3 in Mirissawala, and 12 in the north and east.