All EPZ workers to be vaccinated from July: Namal

Following the approval from Health Ministry, administration of the first dose of vaccine against COVID-19 will begin from 1 July for all export processing zone (EPZ) workers, Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa said at a meeting in Koggala EPZ.

“The Health Ministry has given the go ahead to vaccinate export workers after the urgency of the matter was discussed recently,” he said, participating at a meeting to celebrate 30th Anniversary of the Koggala EPZ with investors of the companies and mangers.

The Minister pointed out that this is a special privilege provided for the manufacturing and export industries.

During the meeting, the investors of the companies and managers explained to the Minister the common challenges and difficulties they face in operating at the Koggala EPZ. 

Rajapaksa in response called on officials at the meeting to fast-track the processes and take immediate action to facilitate smoother functioning of activities. In addition, he directed to increase the amount of water requirement to the Koggala EPZ. 

There are 21 industries at the Koggala EPZ including apparel, electronics and rubber, and it provides direct employment to 12,480 people. 

Plantation Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana, State Minister of Export Zone Development D.V. Chanaka, Galle District Development Committee Chairman Sampath Athukorala, Board of Investment (BOI) Chairman Sanjaya Mohottala, Galle District Secretary, Chief Secretary of the Province, Koggala EPZ factory owners and Government officials also attended the meeting.