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, 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 five years.

Feedback from developers indicates strong market interest from prospective end users and investors for the planned residential and mixed-use developments. This 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 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 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 competitive investment environment.

Businesses of Strategic Importance are designated based on their capacity to generate economic impact through capital investment, employment creation, foreign exchange earnings, and integration with global markets. The approved BSIs span sectors including maritime and logistics, information technology, digital economy, regional headquarters operations, tourism and leisure, and real estate development. Eligible entities benefit from fiscal and non-fiscal incentives designed to support infrastructure development and 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 pathway for approvals and business establishment.

Recognising evolving global business dynamics, including geopolitical developments in the Gulf region, the CPCEC introduced a time-bound facilitation initiative to support businesses seeking to establish operations within the SEZ. Under this programme, investor registrations as an Authorised Person can be completed within seven days following due diligence, with agreements executed digitally.

Approved work visas are issued within five business days, enabling 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 infrastructure, creating a development-ready environment for investors.

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.

Picture:  Browns Marina Hotel