COLOMBO, Sept. 3 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka's state-run Board of Investment (BOI), that oversees all foreign direct investment into the country, said on Monday that 14 new projects would be implemented in the island former war-torn north so as to strengthen the country's economy and boost employment.

In a statement, the BOI said out of the 14 projects, two projects are awaiting commercial operation, five are awaiting implementation, two have been approved and awaiting the signing of agreements and another five projects are awaiting approval.

"Whilst it is correct to say the Northern Province does have considerable potential, many opportunities still remain untapped as a result of the effects of the past conflict affecting that region in particular," the BOI said.

"In spite of these challenges, the BOI places high priority to investment in the north as this effort is more than just development and part of the process of strengthening inclusiveness and reconciliation in the country," it added.

Among the BOI investments in the north, there are currently six apparel manufacturers which employ 7,917 workers. Another 15 projects in different sectors are also operational and employ 837 workers.

Sri Lanka's north was once the stronghold of the rebels known as the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam who were militarily defeated by government troops in May 2009 after a three-decade civil conflict.