Marking a key moment in Sri Lanka’s automotive industry, President Ranil Wickremesinghe inaugurated the Western Automobile Assembly Private Limited (WAA) vehicle plant in Kuliyapitiya on the Tuesday (17th).
- This $27 million facility, now South Asia’s largest, is set to assemble its first vehicle, a 15-seater van, by the end of the month.
- No one will be permitted to hinder projects vital to strengthening the national economy, despite protests.
- Initiated in 2015, the project faced a decade-long delay, costing many job opportunities for the nation’s youth.
- The new Western Automobile plant is expected to drive significant development in both Kuliyapitiya and the country– President.
Equipped with state-of-the-art technology from global experts, the plant will create job opportunities for local youth. A vocational training institute at the facility will also help young people acquire skills for overseas employment.
President Wickremesinghe, while touring the plant, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to national development, noting that despite protests, no projects vital to the economy would be obstructed. He emphasized that the 10-year delay in completing the plant, initiated in 2015, cost the country valuable job opportunities. However, he remains optimistic that the factory will boost both the local and national economies moving forward.
President Wickremesinghe Inaugurates Western Automobile Assembly Plant in Kuliyapitiya
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.
Western Automobile Assembly Plant in Kuliyapitiya
President Ranil Wickremesinghe further said:
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.
2024 Presidential Election Ranil Wickremesinghe Western Automobile Assembly Private Limited (WAA)
Last modified: September 18, 2024
