A group of Australian investors and entrepreneurs has committed to direct investment across several sectors in Sri Lanka following a round of talks held at Clyde North in the state of Victoria.
The discussions were led by Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti. Hiru News reported that the government delegation also included the Deputy Director General of the Board of Investment and the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board.
What was agreed
Investors agreed to establish sustainable energy solutions through the firm ECOGEN, and sustainable recycling processes for the apparel sector through AusLoop Global Solutions.
FRMAFIRST is to launch a large-scale commercial dairy farm with a capacity of 2,000 cattle, together with a modern livestock breeding project designed to withstand the effects of climate change.
A further proposal covers a large-scale manufacturing plant producing 3D printing technology and equipment from recycled plastic, centred on the Industrial Development Board’s Ekala industrial estate.
Talks also covered integrated aquaculture ventures, eco-friendly tourism hotel projects in the Marawila area, and food-processing industries through OSCS Holdings, along with projects involving FLEXIMAKE.
Framing
The Industry Ministry said the Australian investors expressed appreciation for the transparency and credibility emerging in Sri Lanka’s business sector under the current administration, and agreed to start the projects quickly.
The commitments are presented as part of the national programme to strengthen the country’s manufacturing economy and attract foreign direct investment. Handunnetti has been running an industrial-policy agenda that this year included the INTEX–INMAC textile machinery exhibition.
No investment values, equity structures or construction timelines were disclosed for any of the projects, and none has yet been confirmed as a registered BOI project.
