The Ministry of Industrial Development has implemented a project; "Gamata Karmantha" under the 300 Industries Programmes to cater to local industrialists who are willing to invest at regional level.

This programme was introduced in line with "Mahinda Chintana" with the objective of creating more employment in rural areas and overcoming the concentration of industries in Colombo and Gampaha districts.

Under this programme, the Ministry will facilitate local industrialists to set up industries in the regions. The concessions of Custom duty and VAT exemption for plant and machinery imports, Tax holiday of 5 - 10 years based on the location and the investment, Interest income on loans from lending institution are to be exempted from income tax and the project period was extended till 1 April 2009 by the 2008 Budget.

The Ministry has given approval for 132 industries under "Gamata Karmantha" Project out of which 46 industries are under commercial operation, 12 industries have started their construction work, 04 industries have started installation of machinery and 17 industries have initiated their preliminary work.