The Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka has announced plans to establish seven new investment zones this year to accelerate regional economic growth, attract foreign direct investment (FDI), and create jobs.

According to BOI Chairman Arjuna Herath, these zones will be located in the Northern, North Western, Eastern, and Southern Provinces, focusing on specific sectors:

Northern Province (Kankesanthurai, Paranthan, Mankulam) Will focus on apparel, IT, chemical production, and agriculture and fisheries-based exports.

North Western Province (Iranavila): Targeted for tourism.

Eastern Province (Eravur): Will support local raw material production for the apparel sector.

Southern Province (Hambantota): Set to become a hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Herath stated that the initiative aims to decentralize investment and stimulate regional economies.