Colombo Port City reached a significant milestone in its development as a leading regional business and investment destination, following Cabinet approval granted in April 2026 to 77 Businesses of Strategic Importance (BSIs) under the Regulations of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act.
The approvals represent a major step forward in the growth of the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone (SEZ), reinforcing its position as a globally connected platform for investment, innovation, and internationally traded services.
Among the approved entities are three Primary BSIs–Prime Melwa Port City (Pvt) Ltd and Marina Hotel Holdings (Pvt) Ltd, which are developing a marina-front residential and marina development, and Home Lands Port City (Pvt) Ltd, are developing a mixed-use development adjacent to Central Park within the SEZ. Land and development costs collectively valued at approximately Rs. 125 billion, inclusive of approximately US$262 million in foreign inflows over the next five years.
Feedback from developers indicates strong market interest among prospective end users and investors in the planned residential and mixed-use developments. This positive demand outlook reinforces the attractiveness of Colombo Port City’s emerging real estate offering and reflects growing confidence in Sri Lanka’s future as a competitive regional investment destination.
In parallel, the approved Secondary BSIs are projected to generate approximately US$364 million in foreign exchange inflows during the same period while creating an estimated 10,000 or more direct employment opportunities.
These achievements follow the enactment of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (Amendment) Act, No. 1 of 2026, which strengthened governance structures, streamlined regulatory oversight, and further enhanced the ease of doing business within the SEZ. Together, these developments demonstrate the Government of Sri Lanka’s and the Colombo Port City Economic Commission’s (CPCEC) continued commitment to creating a transparent, efficient, and internationally competitive investment environment.
Businesses of Strategic Importance are designated based on their capacity to generate measurable economic impact through capital investment, employment creation, foreign exchange earnings, and integration with global markets. The approved BSIs span a diverse range of sectors, including maritime and logistics, information technology, the digital economy, regional headquarters operations, tourism and leisure, and real estate development. Eligible entities benefit from a targeted package of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives designed to support both infrastructure development and the delivery of internationally traded services.
As the regulator of the Colombo Port City SEZ, the CPCEC operates a streamlined Single Window Investment Facilitation framework, providing investors with a coordinated and efficient pathway for approvals and business establishment.
Recognising evolving global business dynamics, including recent geopolitical developments in the Gulf region, the CPCEC introduced a dedicated, time-bound facilitation initiative to support businesses seeking to establish complementary operations within the SEZ. Under this programme, investor registrations as an Authorised Person can be completed within seven days following the completion of due diligence requirements, with agreements executed digitally. Approved work visas are issued within five business days, enabling the rapid deployment of personnel and accelerated operational readiness.
CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd, the project’s public-private partnership partner and master developer, has invested approximately US$1.4 billion in land reclamation and enabling infrastructure, creating a development-ready environment for investors. As a result, investors and developers can now enter into lease agreements with the CPCEC for available land parcels within the SEZ and benefit from a streamlined, single-window approval process that facilitates the expeditious issuance of development permits, planning approvals, and other regulatory clearances required to commence construction and operations.
With an estimated development value of approximately US$15 billion upon completion, Colombo Port City is one of South Asia’s most significant foreign direct investment initiatives. Positioned as a gateway to South Asia and a regional business and lifestyle hub, the SEZ offers investors a compelling combination of regulatory certainty, competitive operating costs, strategic connectivity, and internationally aligned governance standards. These advantages are expected to attract high-quality investment, generate employment, facilitate access to regional and global markets, and support Sri Lanka’s long-term economic growth and competitiveness.
Together with the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, the CPCEC remains committed to facilitating investment, streamlining regulatory processes, and supporting the growth of high-value, export-oriented and service-driven industries aligned with Sri Lanka’s long-term development priorities.
For more information on investment opportunities within the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone, please visit www.portcitycolombo.lk. For details on the regulatory framework, Single Window Investment Facilitation services, registered businesses, and application procedures, please visit www.portcitycolombo.gov.lk
Image – Port City Colombo
