By: Staff Writer
January 27, Colombo (LNW): President Ranil Wickremesinghe) underscored his commitment to guiding the country’s progress in the coming years, drawing inspiration from the success of Biyagama.
Reflecting on his early political career in the Biyagama Constituency, where the region experienced notable underdevelopment, the President emphasized the positive impact of strategic economic decisions, particularly the establishment of the Biyagama Investment Zone.
He noted that Biyagama’s rapid progress stands as a testament to those decisions.The Head of State underscored his vision for replicating such success nationwide by leveraging the advantages of an open economy.
He expressed plans to establish new investment zones across the country, with the aim of significantly boosting the national economy.
Recalling his recent visit to Switzerland, President Wickremesinghe said world leaders were amazed to hear how rapidly Sri Lanka has turned itself around and how its once-bankrupt economy has rebounded.
He said that although Sri Lanka has managed to achieve economic stability by engaging with the heads of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), its revenues remain insufficient. “To address this, we must enhance the country’s income, transitioning from a negative to a positive economic trajectory.”
In order to generate employment opportunities, President Wickremesinghe noted that it is imperative to establish new industries and investment prospects.
Efforts are underway to cultivate a conducive environment for this purpose, with plans to replicate successful models like the Biyagama Free Trade Zone throughout the country, aiming to amplify the nation’s economic growth tenfold, the Head of State continued.
He made these remarks during the inauguration of the newly constructed ancient Bodhi Prakaraya and Golden Fence at Sapugaskanda Abeysekararama
“Abeysekararama held a significant position in this area. He said that his first visit to this place was in my capacity as the Biyagama Constituency Organizer and the United National Party’s candidate for Biyagama. During that time, Biyagama was characterized by significant underdevelopment.
Some individuals suggested that only Agalawatta surpassed Biyagama in terms of underdevelopment. However, it was pointed out that Agalawatta had tea plantations, rubber plantations and tea factories, whereas Biyagama only had an oil refinery.
