The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) organized a dedicated investment forum to present structured business opportunities in Keragala, Gampaha District (Western Province), and Sooriyawewa, Southern Province, positioning them as emerging University Towns. 

The event brought together local and foreign investors, senior officials from the BOI, and the Ministry of Higher Education to explore prospects in Sri Lanka’s education sector, leveraging the country’s strong literacy rates and ongoing reforms.

BOI Chairman Arjuna highlighted the strategic advantages of the two proposed University Towns, noting Gampaha’s status as Sri Lanka’s largest student hub with proximity to industrial zones, and Sooriyawewa’s established infrastructure and entrepreneurial culture. 

Detailed business cases were presented, with Keragala envisioned as a 125-acre campus hosting five universities, requiring USD 370 million in investment with an IRR of 15–18% and a payback period of 6–7 years. 

Sooriyawewa’s 250-acre integrated university town is projected to attract USD 640 million, offering R&D centres, innovation hubs, and international-standard living facilities, with an IRR of 16–17% and a payback period of 7–8 years.

BOI Director General Renuka M. Weerakone emphasized that higher education is increasingly recognized as a global economic driver, and Sri Lanka is positioning itself to be part of this transformation. 

The proposals were well received, with investors showing strong interest in shareholding structures, incentives, and fiscal concessions, while stressing the importance of swift implementation of education reforms. (Newswire)

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A woman and her 05-year-old son have died due to electrocution in the Sooriyawewa area in Hambantota.

According to the Police, they had died after coming into contact with a power supply that had been illegally obtained from an adjoining house. 

Investigations reveal that the child, who was riding a tricycle to a neighbour’s house, had come in contact with the illegal power supply during which his mother had attempted to save him.

However, both mother and son had been electrocuted, dying on the spot. The deceased are a 38-year-old woman and her 05-year-old son.

The Sooriyawewa Police is conducting investigations. (Newswire)

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A wanted suspect has been killed in a shootout with the Police Special Task Force (STF) in Sooriyawewa, Hambantota today.

The Police said the suspect was wanted over the incident of shooting to death the owner of a meat shop in Mahabage on February 21.

The suspect had reportedly operated as the motorcyclist at the time of the Mahabage shooting.

Based on intelligence reports, the STF had conducted a special raid early this morning to apprehend the suspect. 

During the operation, the wanted suspect had opened fire at the officers, prompting them to retaliate.

At the time of the shootout, an STF officer and the suspect had been injured, with the suspect succumbing to injuries at the Suriyawewa Hospital. 

Investigations reveal that apart from the Mahabage shooting, the suspect was also wanted for several other crimes. (NewsWire)

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A couple have allegedly attempted suicide due to being unable to afford medical treatment as a result of financial difficulties. 

According to Divaina newspaper, the couple are a 58-year-old man and a 54-year-old woman from the Venival Ara area in Sooriyawewa, Hambantota.

As per the report, the woman has been confined to the bed for a long time due to a disability in the spine and required a large sum of money for medical treatment. 

The couple who were unable to afford the medical expenses and transportation facilities had attempted suicide by consuming poison on Sunday evening (Feb 04).

The couple who were found in critical condition by neighbours had been admitted to the Sooriyawewa Hospital after which they had been transferred to the Hambantota Hospital. 

The Sooriyawewa Police is conducting investigations into the incident. (NewsWire)

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Four individuals have been arrested for having stolen mangoes worth Rs. 700,000 from a 20-acre mango farm in the Madunagala area in Sooriyawewa, Hambantota. 

The Police stated that the suspects had carried out the theft on Monday (27) after having arrived in a van and had illegally entered the mango farm.

The owner of the farm who had received information on the robbery had apprehended the suspects with the assistance of the area residents.

The Police stated that the suspects are residents of Sooriyawewa and Horana, while a 14-year-old schoolboy was among the arrested persons. 

The Sooriyawewa Police is conducting investigations into the incident. (NewsWire) 

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