BOI showcases Sri Lanka’s investment potential to Chinese firms

BOI Director General Renuka Weerakone invites Chinese investors to capitalise on Sri Lanka's growing opportunities at ‘Sri Lanka - China Trade and Investment Forum 2025’ Emphasises 1,200 foreign firms operate under BOI across diverse sectors, incentives and investor-friendly environment, including 100% foreign ownership, profit repatriation, Constitutional investment protection Identifies textiles/apparel, pharmaceuticals/medical devices, automotive components/ rubber-based products, minerals, tourism, education, ICT, agri/ food processing, renewable energy and infrastructure as priority sectors for investment Highlights ready-to-invest projects in sectors such as hospitality, education, logistics, IT, pharmaceuticals and entertainment

- BY CHARUMINI DE SILVA

BOARD of Investment (BOI) Director General Renuka Weerakone made a compelling case to Chinese businesses to capitalise on Sri Lanka’s growing investment and trade opportunities at the recently concluded ‘Sri Lanka — China Trade and Investment Forum 2025.’

The high-profile forum was attended by China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao, Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Qi Zhenhong, and 115 delegates representing 77 Chinese companies, underscoring the strategic significance of deepening bilateral economic relations.

Weerakone reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s openness to foreign investment and its readiness to work closely with Chinese businesses across high-impact sectors.

She assured that the BOI acts as a long-standing partner for foreign investors, offering smooth facilitation throughout the investment process. With over 1,200 foreign companies already operating under the BOI framework across sectors such as manufacturing, apparel, IT, tourism, food processing, logistics, and infrastructure, she said Sri Lanka is well-positioned to welcome new entrants.

“The investment flow to Sri Lanka through Chinese companies so far is about $ 3.5 billion and it has contributed to the creation of around 5,000 job opportunities for local citizens,” she pointed out.

To further attract investment, Weerakone detailed a suite of incentives including a reduced 15% corporate income tax for export services, enhanced capital allowances of 100-200% over extended periods, and duty exemptions on raw materials and project-related imports.

“Companies operating under the Commercial Hub Regulation also benefit from exemptions on Customs duties, VAT, CESS, and excise levies, with a special Green Channel mechanism in place for high-performing, export-oriented firms,” she added.