President Wickremesinghe Inaugurates South Asia’s Largest Vehicle Assembly Plant, Vows Uninterrupted Progress Despite Protests
President Ranil Wickremesinghe inaugurated the Western Automobile Assembly Private Limited (WAA) vehicle assembly plant in Kuliyapitiya last Saturday (17), marking a major milestone in Sri Lanka’s automotive industry. The $27 million facility, now the largest vehicle assembly plant in South Asia, is expected to drive significant development in both Kuliyapitiya and the nation.
The first vehicle from the plant, a 15-seater passenger van, is set to enter the market by the end of the month. Equipped with state-of-the-art machinery developed by global automotive experts, the plant will provide direct and indirect employment opportunities for local youth. Additionally, the facility includes a vocational training institute, offering skills training that will qualify young people for overseas job opportunities.
During the opening ceremony, President Wickremesinghe unveiled a commemorative plaque and toured the factory, engaging with staff. In his speech, he emphasized that no one will be allowed to hinder projects crucial to strengthening the national economy, despite protests. He also pointed out that the project, initiated in 2015, faced a decade-long delay due to a lack of support, costing the nation valuable job opportunities.
The President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to advancing development projects that benefit the country, stressing that the new factory will not only boost the local economy of Kuliyapitiya but also contribute significantly to the national economy.
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.
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.
