Investing and Doing business in Sri Lanka

By Kavidu on April 9, 2012

Foreign investors can now invest in Sri Lanka as its investor-friendly economy is booming since the dawn of peace. Today, Sri Lanka is ranked as the most liberalized economy in South Asia. Investors are provided with preferential tax rates, constitutional guarantees on investment agreements, exemptions from exchange control and 100% repatriation of profits.

The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka is the central facilitation point for investors. They provide assistance and advice throughout the investment process. The BOI has established the “Investor Facilitation Centre” in Level 24th & 26th , West Tower, World Trade Centre, Colombo 1 for this purpose.

Key Sectors for Investment

Tourism and Leisure
Infrastructure
Knowledge Services
Utilities
Apparel
Export Manufacturing
Export Services
Agriculture
Education
Sri Lanka Equity Market – Colombo Stock Exchange

Ten Reasons to invest in Sri Lanka
1. Strong Resilient Economy
2. Supportive Government Policies
3. Educated and Adaptable Workforce
4. Social Infrastructure
5. Location and Connectivity
6. Access to Key Markets
7. Fast Developing Infrastructure
8. Vibrant Business Environment
9. Investment Protection and Double Taxation
10. Quality Of Life

As an investor, you can locate your project within a BOI administered Export Processing Zone or Industrial Park (with required infrastructure facilities) on long-term lease basis. These zones/parks are more suitable for industrial manufacturing and processing businesses. Alternatively you can purchase a privately owned land on outright purchase or lease basis.

Foreign investors may establish a business presence in Sri Lanka, through any of the following forms:
· Sole Proprietorship
· Partnership
· Private and Public Companies
· People’s Company
· Limited and Unlimited Companies
· Offshore Companies
· Foreign Branches
· Liaison Offices
· Joint Ventures
· Co-operatives

Read More Information from Board of Investment web site
Upload Guide on Doing Business in Sri Lanka (pdf)

invest

About Kavidu

Kavidu is an Undergraduate at University of Colombo.

3 Comments

Brian

April 17, 2012 at 8:49 am

Great introduction to investing in Sri Lanka

Reply
Marco Ferrari

July 21, 2012 at 3:59 pm

may non resident foreigners invest in fixed deposit at finance/leasing companies, like Orix http://www.lankaorix.com/interest_rates_fixed_deposits.php ?
I have enquiried them by e-mail but they haven’t answered me.

Reply
Louie Diaz

August 28, 2012 at 5:11 am

Great info and a great find!! I will be back for your updates.

Reply