The Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka has set an ambitious goal to attract US$ 1.5 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) this year. 

BOI Chairman Arjuna Herath highlighted that the investment portfolio for 2024 includes major projects in oil refining by Sinopec, spices and agro-processing, data centres, and online special economic zones. Last year, Sri Lanka received$ 1.057 billion in FDI. 

In 2025, a total of 186 companies expressed interest in investing, with 146 projects valued at$ 1.906 billion successfully implemented, comprising 70 new projects and 76 expansions of existing ventures. 

Herath emphasized that the BOI has fostered a more investment-friendly environment by introducing measures such as improved project monitoring, streamlined approval processes, and closer cooperation with line agencies and regulatory bodies to boost investor confidence.