Accordingly, the minister has instructed the relevant authorities to identify new welfare projects and improve on those currently being implemented.

While there are 15 Free Trade Zones in the country, five of them are located within the Gampaha District. These FTZ are located in the Katunayake, Biyagama, Meetigama, Attanagalla, Malwatte and Wathupitiwela. Currently day care centers are being operated for the children of FTZ workers in the Katunayake, Biyagama and Mawathagama Investment Zones. This year, day care centers are to be established in Wathupitiwela, Koggala and Pallekale.

In addition Medical Health Centers run by Provincial or Family Health Centers are also operational in these FTZ. Such medical centers are currently operational in the Katunayake, Biyagama, Koggala, Seethawaka and Wathupitiwela Free Trade Zones and Minister Ranatunga said that Investment Board assistance would be sought in developing these centers further.

The Investment Board has also taken steps to import eight fire trucks for the protection of the entrepreneurs and employees and once these fire trucks are received fire fighting units would be established in Koggala and Pallekale.

The Minister noted that it is of great importance to carry out the welfare activities of the Free Trade Zones in a streamlined manner, adding that the Investment Board should focus their attention on this matter.
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