The government has decided to establish a pharmaceutical manufacturing zone at Arabokka estate in Hambantota.

The Information Director General stated that it has been planned to establish a special pharmaceutical manufacturing zone with modern facilities within an extent of 400 acres of the Arabokka estate in Hambantota so that leading pharmaceutical companies in the world would be attracted.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal submitted by the Health Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi to establish 20 pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in 200 acres of land under the first phase of this project.

Cabinet approval has also been granted to establish another 20 pharmaceutical manufacturing companies in a same extent of land under the second phase of the project. All infrastructure facilities will be supplied by Sri Lanka Board of Investment.

The Presidential Task Force for the economic revival and eradication of poverty has identified the pharmaceutical manufacturing industry as one of the industries that can attract direct foreign investments as well as a field that has a potential for earning foreign exchange.

Declaring it as a strategic development project, it is expected to provide necessary relief to attract investors to invest in this pharmaceutical manufacturing zone.