CoPF gives nod for increased thresholds for local companies to invest overseas

The Committee on Public Finance recently took into consideration an Order inclusive of updated guidelines on outward investments, introducing increased thresholds for local companies to invest overseas and streamlining processes to facilitate cross-border expansion, the parliament stated in a press release issued yesterday (4).

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The text of the press release: “The said Order under Section 22 of the Foreign Exchange Act, No. 12 of 2017 Published in the Gazette Extraordinary No. 2441/14 of 18.06.2025 was thus approved after due consideration.

These matters were discussed at the meeting of the Committee on Public Finance Chaired by Member of Parliament (Dr.) Harsha de Silva on 29.07.2025.

Under the new framework, the investment limit for listed companies has been raised from USD 500,000 to USD 750,000 and the limit for unlisted companies has been increased from USD 150,000 to USD 200,000. Companies seeking to invest beyond these limits can now borrow from foreign sources up to USD 2 million, with Central Bank oversight and any investment exceeding USD 2 million will require special approval.

All outward investments must be routed through a designated Outward Investment Account (OIA) in Sri Lanka before funds can be transferred abroad. The Central Bank of Sri Lanka has granted general permission to licensed banks to facilitate these transactions swiftly, ensuring companies can access opportunities without undue delays.