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President inaugurates vehicle assembly plant in Kuliyapitiya (Pics)
President Ranil Wickremesinghe yesterday (Sep. 17) inaugurated the Western Automobile Assembly Private Limited (WAA) vehicle assembly plant in Kuliyapitiya.
This $27 million facility is now the largest vehicle assembly plant in South Asia.
The first vehicle to be assembled at the factory, a 15-seater passenger van, is expected to enter the market by the end of the month.
The factory, equipped with cutting-edge machinery designed by global automotive experts, will generate both direct and indirect employment opportunities for local youth. In line with international industry standards, the facility also houses a vocational training institute, offering young people the chance to gain skills that will qualify them for overseas job opportunities.
During the ceremony, President Wickremesinghe unveiled a commemorative plaque and toured the factory, engaging in friendly conversation with staff. In his speech, the President emphasized that no one will be allowed to obstruct projects vital to strengthening the national economy, despite protests. He also noted that although the Western Automobile Factory was initiated in 2015, it lacked the necessary support for timely completion.
President Ranil Wickremesinghe emphasized that his administration is committed to advancing development projects that will benefit the country, noting that significant job opportunities for youth were lost due to the 10-year delay in completing this project, which was initially expected to be finished in two years. He highlighted that the new factory will not only boost the local economy of Kuliyapitiya but also strengthen the national economy.
In his speech at the ceremony, the President stated:“We approved the establishment of this factory in 2015, but it faced significant opposition and protests. Investigations were even conducted in Parliament. The project, which was scheduled to launch in 2019, was delayed due to the impacts of COVID-19 and the economic crisis.
After assuming the presidency, I made the decision to restart all these stalled projects. Today, we have finally commenced operations at the Western Automobile Company. This factory has the capacity to produce 50,000 vehicles annually, which will strengthen our export sector.
Although the project was intended to be completed within two years, it took a decade. Many opposed it, focusing on political agendas rather than the country’s progress. This delay has cost us the opportunity to create numerous jobs. I am determined not to allow such setbacks in the future.
I am committed to taking this country forward by properly implementing these development programs. This factory marks just one step in the broader development of Kuliyapitiya. With its opening, we begin the journey of growth for this region. We are creating a 1,000-acre investment zone in Bingiriya, and 500 acres have been allocated in Iranavila for a tourism zone. These areas will become hubs for both tourism and production.
As we create new job opportunities, the demand for skilled workers will grow. To meet this, we plan to increase the number of engineers and skilled professionals. We’re establishing the Faculty of Engineering at Kurunegala University to ensure that we keep pace with the demands of the 21st century. We cannot afford to fall behind.
European companies are now joining Chinese companies in investing in these projects. They will remain engaged as we work through the process of officially exiting bankruptcy. We have had extensive discussions with the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, and the 18 countries that have lent to Sri Lanka. We’re now in the final stages of negotiations with private contractors, and we are progressing according to these agreements.
I am determined to make the North West a hub of development, similar to the growth we’ve seen in Gampaha. This factory is just the beginning of that effort. I want to thank everyone involved, and I believe this company will play a vital role in strengthening our economy.
Chief of Staff and Senior Adviser to the President on National Security Sagala Rathnayaka, former Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, and directors of Western Automobile Assembly Private Limited, Mr. Gerard Fernando and Michael Selvanayagam, along with many staff members, were present at the event.
(President’s Media Division)
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Marine Drive tree planting project held (Pics)
In line with World Environment Day, a tree planting and conservation project was launched this morning (5) along the coastal stretch of Colombo’s Marine Drive, from the Kollupitiya Railway Station towards Wellawatte. The initiative is being implemented by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat Office.
Marking the commencement of the project, 1,600 Takkada (Scaevola taccada) saplings were planted today, with plans to expand the number to 6,000 in the near future. The project is being carried out with participation from state institutions, private organisations and the general public.
The Takkada plant, which includes two species highly resistant to saline environments, is listed as a threatened species on the Red Data List. The Scaevola taccada species planted today typically grows as a shrub reaching heights of 5 to 6 feet. Its dense green foliage and compact height make it ideal for urban settings, enhancing cityscapes with both environmental and aesthetic value.
This initiative is being carried out with the collaboration of the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Police (Environmental and Traffic Divisions), Sri Lanka Railways, Road Development Authority, Urban Development Authority and the Colombo Municipal Council. It is sponsored by LB Finance PLC and Hemsandu Marketing Company.
The event was attended by Colombo Municipal Councillor Vraie Cally Balthazaar, Senior Additional Secretary to the President (Finance and Economic Affairs) G.M.R.D. Appuhamy, along with representatives from the sponsoring organisations and other distinguished guests.
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China donates 05 dragon boats to Sri Lanka (Pics)
The Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka has donated five 12-person international-standard dragon boats to the Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
The donation was formally made on May 31 at the 2025 Dragon Boat Festival China-Sri Lanka Friendship Cup Dragon Boat Championship.
The championship was held at the Diyawanna Oya Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka (ARASL) Rowing Center. Participants included school teams, university crews, clubs, members of the tri-forces, as well as Chinese teams. It was notable that the event also featured 05 teams from Jaffna.
The regatta was hosted by Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of Sri Lanka, and co-organized by National Association for Canoeing and Kayaking in Sri Lanka, CICT (Colombo International Container Terminals Ltd.), Sri Lanka Overseas Chinese Association and Chinese Chamber Of Commerce In Sri Lanka.
Expressing gratitude for the donation, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports – S.K. Gamage said, “This is not merely a sports event, it is a powerful symbol of friendship, culture, and cooperation between our two nations.”
Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka – Mr. Qi Zhenhong said the championship was “a new starting point to further deepen sports and cultural exchanges between China and Sri Lanka and to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between our peoples.”
Rear Admiral HNS Perera, President of the National Association for Canoeing and Kayaking in Sri Lanka, described the event as a bridge between tradition and modernity.
Sri Lanka Navy and Visakha Vidyalaya powered their way to victory by clinching the top honours in the Men’s and Women’s Open Championships. Visakha Vidyalaya also grabbed the top spot in the Junior Girls’ final.
The Junior Boys’ final saw Thambaddy GTMV from Jaffna winning the gold medal, ahead of J/Delft M.V and D.S. Senanayake College Colombo.
In the Masters Women’s race, Ceylong team took top spot, while Wave Breakers and Pink Dragon followed closely.
The University of Sabaragamuwa won the Mixed Category final, pushing Chinese Team 03 and Chinese Team 01 to second and third places.
(Pics : Shanika Jayasekara)
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SL Parliamentary delegation’s orientation programme in India, ends (Pics)
A Parliamentary delegation from Sri Lanka, led by Deputy Speaker Hon. Dr. Rizvie Salih visited India from 25-31 May 2025. The delegation comprised 20 Members of Parliament (MP) representing various political parties and 4 officials of the Sri Lankan Parliament, including the Secretary General.
The delegation was the inaugural batch to undergo Orientation Programme at India’s Parliamentary Research and Training Institute for Democracies (PRIDE) in New Delhi. This is pursuant to the announcement made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his recent visit to Sri Lanka in April 2025, offering 700 customised training slots annually for Sri Lankan professionals.
The visiting delegation called on the Speaker of Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla. Underscoring the historical friendship between India and Sri Lanka, the Speaker thanked the Sri Lankan Parliamentary Delegation for expressing its solidarity with India’s fight against terrorism. External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar also received the delegation and reiterated India’s commitment to Sri Lanka’s development and progress under the ‘Neighbourhood First’ Policy and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision.
Deputy Speaker Dr. Rizvie Salih and other distinguished delegates from Sri Lanka thanked the Government of India for the unconditional assistance rendered to Sri Lanka over decades. They also sought deeper and closer collaboration with India in several spheres, including Parliamentary exchanges, trade, technology and tourism.
Under the Orientation Programme, the delegation had interactive sessions on legislative and budgetary processes, system of Parliamentary Committees and other related matters between the two democracies. Several senior MPs, Parliamentary officials, Media persons shared insights on the Indian Polity with the Sri Lankan delegation. While in India, participants also had the opportunity to experience the transformation underway in the Indian economy, particularly on the Digital Public Infrastructure & urban mobility through visits to Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), Delhi Metro Railway Corporation and DLF IT Park. The delegation also had first-hand experience of the ongoing R&D projects in the realm of energy sector at IIT Delhi.
As part of the cultural immersion, the delegation visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site Taj Mahal, Agra and also enjoyed the Sound & Light Show on History of India at Red Fort, New Delhi.
It may be recalled that re-establishment of India-Sri Lanka Parliamentary Friendship Association in the Sri Lankan Parliament in early May 2025 witnessed the participation of scores of MPs across party lines. The visit as well as the strong turnout at the above events are symbolic of the democratic values and traditions that bind the people of the two countries.
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