Tech parks to be built in Galle, Kurunegala, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Habarana
The Government is planning to construct f i ve Technology Parks in the island, with the aim of building cultural technological innovation in line with the National Policy Framework ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’, an official from the President’s office said.
The parks will be located in Galle, Kurunegala, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Habarana.
Among the objective will be establishing Sri Lanka as a hub for technological innovation, attracting foreign investments, encouraging new companies with advanced technology, promoting export oriented industries, creating new employment opportunities, disseminating knowledge, improving the living standards of the people in the relevant areas and earning foreign exchange for national economic development.
The first of these parks is under construction at Walahanduwa in Galle.
President Rajapaksa on Thursday visited the Walahanduwa Technology Park in Galle and unveiled the project plaque. The President also launched the official logo of the Galle Technology Park and inspected the site.
The Technology Ministry expects to complete the construction of the technology park covering an area of 30 acres next year.
Each Technology Park is equipped with state-of-the-art technology facilities with 5G, nanotechnology institutions, recreational activities, naturebased sports at selected locations and mental and physical recreation centres.
Plantation Minister Ramesh Pathirana said with the construction of the Galle Technology Park, about 2,000 direct and many more indirect employment opportunities will be created.
Minister Pathirana pointed out that this project will make an immense contribution to the progress of the education and technology sectors.
Technology Ministry Secretary Jayantha de Silva said the new technology parks will be a major driver of the country’s economy in the future.
Youth and Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa and Digital Technology and Enterprise Development State Minister said the preparations will be made to issue a digital identity card to each citizen before the end of this year. Minister Rajapaksa said state machinery from the grama niladhari to the Presidential Secretary would be integrated with digital technology and that all services would be provided electronically within the next 30 months to meet the targets set by the President.
Southern Province Governor Willie Gamage, State Ministers Mohan P. De Silva, Kanchana Wijesekera, Janaka Wakkumbura, Southern provincial councillors, people’s representatives and Government officials were also present.