Out of the 14 Investment Promotion Zones in the country, COVID-19 cases have only been reported from the Katunayake and Biyagama Zones, states Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka Director General (DG) Sanjaya Mohottala.

“Apart from the Katunayake and Biyagama Investment Promotion Zones, no cases have been reported thus far from the other 12 Zones in the country,” he added. Issuing a statement Mohottala said that more than 26,500 PCR tests have been carried out in the factories under the purview of BOI between 8th and 28th of this month.

Over 16,520 PCRs has been done in the 14 Investment Promotion Zones and awaiting results of another 495 tests. 423 COVID 19 infected patients has been identified with these tests out of which 411 from the Katunayake Zone and 12 from Biyagama Zone.

No cases have been reported thus far from other 12 zones. Proper health and safety precautions are strictly adhered to in all the places including the houses, hostels, transportation and inside the factories in addition to constant reminders and workshops on workplace safety and health precautions.

7708 PCR tests have been done in 69 factories inside the Katunayake Zone. 3981 tests have been concluded in 48 factories in Biyagama. PCR tests have been done in all other zones as well. Mr Mohottala further stated that more PCR tests will be done in accordance to the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health.

There are 1615 factories which are under the BOI purview which are situated outside the Investment Zones. And 10051 PCR tests have been done in these factories as well during this period of time.

Mohottala commenting on COVID infected workers, “...considering our zones, there is 411 from Katunayake and 12 from Biyagama but there seems to be a decline. And outside of the Zones from Gampaha District where the initial outbreak started there have been 1003 from our factories and 53 from the factories in Colombo District, 3 from Kurunegala District and 1 from Hambantota.”

Mohottala further added that all the factories in general are strictly adhering to health and safety guidelines and the BOI Sri Lanka is upholding the relevant regulations.

There are 1615 factories which are registered under the BOI Sri Lanka which are dispersed all over the 25 districts of the island. Around six hundred thousand are employed in these factories. And another hundred and thirty-three thousand are contributing to the production process inside the 14 Investment Zones. And other millions make their bread through the indirect employment provided via these factories. More than 70% of the export income is provided by this workforce.

The government owes a debt of gratitude to all the MOHs, PHIs, security forces, divisional secretaries, investors and staff, Navy unit attached to the Katunayake Zone and also the staff of BOI Sri Lanka going above and beyond their work description providing a holistic effort in controlling the spread of the second wave. If not for their excellent service and devotion the situation could have been very much worse.

In the prevailing global pandemic, to continue the national economy steadily, the production process must be carried out continuously.

Mohottala concluded that he hopes that considering it as a duty of the nation, all the relevant parties would continue to adhere to health and safety guidelines and give the necessary support, fulfilling the citizens’ responsibility.