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Sri Lanka Trade and FDI Context (2025)
Comparative figures showing export earnings and the US contribution to FDI in Sri Lanka.
Primary Sources
Malaysian business delegation explores FDI opportunities in Sri Lanka
A high-level delegation from the Malaysian Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Penang (MICCI), visited the Sri Lanka Board of Investment (BOI) recently to explore potential foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities across multiple sectors. The 15-member team, led by MICCI President Dato’ S. Parthiban, represented a diverse cross-section of industries including ICT, banking, agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, waste management, semi-conductors, hospitality and biotechnology. The visit was organised by the BOI as part of its ongoing efforts to promote Sri Lanka as an attractive investment destination among leading Malaysian enterprises. During the full-day FDI promotion session, Senior BOI officials, headed by Director General Renuka M. Weerakone, presented a comprehensive overview of the country’s investment climate, highlighting key opportunities and ready-to-invest projects. Representatives from several key government institutions, including the Export Development Board, Urban Development Authority, Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority, Department of Commerce and the Colombo Port City Economic Commission participated. The sessions showcased Sri Lanka’s preparedness to attract foreign investments by outlining available infrastructure, policy support and sector-specific opportunities. Officials emphasised the country’s strategic positioning, growing digital economy and export potential, while also promoting its lifestyle appeal for investors. Presidential Advisor on Digital Economy Dr. Hans Wijesuriya highlighted Sri Lanka’s ambition to become a leader in Industry through its national digital transformation agenda. GovTech Sri Lanka elaborated on efforts to enhance ease of doing business through digitalisation, while the Export Development Board underscored the global potential of ‘Made in Sri Lanka’ products. Urban Development Authorities presented investment prospects in real estate, tourism and mixed-use developments, particularly in Colombo, while also outlining land availability across the island for various sectors. The Malaysian delegation expressed strong interest in renewable energy, particularly solar power solutions, as well as ICT infrastructure development, including data centres, cybersecurity and software services. Opportunities in sustainable industries such as recycling and waste management also drew attention, alongside manufacturing, aviation services and agri-processing sectors, including spice-based and Halal-cert...
US pushes for deeper two-way trade and investment flows with Sri Lanka ...
The United States is seeking a recalibration of its economic engagement with Sri Lanka, pushing for stronger two-way trade flows and greater reciprocity as the island’s post-crisis recovery improves investor confidence. Speaking at a recent AmCham CEO Forum in Colombo, US Embassy Economic Unit Chief Zachary Bailey said US businesses are increasingly optimistic about Sri Lanka’s trajectory, but signalled a clear expectation for deeper commercial integration, including higher imports of US goods and outbound Sri Lankan investment into the United States. “There has been a remarkable transformation since the financial crisis,” he said, noting that US firms operating in Sri Lanka are “a lot happier today than they were a few years ago” and expressing “cautious optimism” about the market outlook. Against that backdrop, Bailey said the next phase of engagement must move beyond traditional patterns where developed economies tolerated trade asymmetries with developing markets. That approach, historically rooted in development considerations, is now shifting toward a more reciprocal framework, particularly following changes in US trade policy thinking in recent years. “We would also really like to see more US exports coming to Sri Lanka,” he said, pointing to sectors ranging from agricultural commodities to machinery and pharmaceuticals. The US is Sri Lanka’s largest export market accounting for $ 3 billion in 2025 out of a total $ 17.2 billion export earnings that year. The US accounted for just 2% of the $ 1 billion total FDIs in 2025. He noted that the US has historically run trade deficits with Sri Lanka and argued there is scope to expand market access for American products while strengthening overall commercial ties. At the same time, Bailey emphasised that the relationship must be two-directional, with Sri Lankan firms encouraged to explore investment opportunities in the United States. “I also want to talk about the other way around, for Sri Lankan companies to invest in the United States and deepen that two-way trade relationship,” he said, adding that US agencies are open to facilitating such discussions. Despite improved sentiment, he cautioned that Sri Lanka must address structural issues to remain competitive in attracting global capital. US investors, he said, are primarily focused on regulatory consistency, tax clarity, customs processes and ease of doing business, alongside broader macroeconomic stability. “They want to be able to plan one year out, ...
BOI Hosts High-Level Session to Attract Malaysian Investment into Sri Lanka
The BOI Sri Lanka hosted a Malaysian investor delegation to promote FDI opportunities across ICT, energy, manufacturing, and real estate, highlighting Sri Lanka's digital economy, export potential, and investment ecosystem.
Sri Lanka's only business publication | Daily FT
American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka appoints Sandun Hapugoda as President at 33rd AGM Wednesday, 1 October 2025 00:00
