By: Staff Writer
February 27, Colombo (LNW): Port City Colombo is rapidly emerging as Sri Lanka’s premier multi-service Special Economic Zone, positioning itself as a pivotal financial and business hub in the South Asian region. With state-of-the-art infrastructure and investor-friendly policies, the city has garnered significant international attention.
The development is progressing steadily, with various commercial, residential, and recreational projects taking shape. Key attractions such as the Mall at Port City Colombo and South Asia’s first downtown duty-free shopping complex are already transforming Colombo’s economic landscape, drawing global investors and businesses alike.
The government’s commitment to fostering a pro-business environment has made Port City Colombo a competitive destination for foreign direct investment (FDI).
With strategic partnerships, improved regulatory frameworks, and a focus on sustainability, the city aims to enhance Sri Lanka’s global trade presence. As part of this effort, Port City Colombo continues to host international delegations and forums, showcasing its potential as a financial and commercial powerhouse.
Recently, Port City Colombo hosted Lord Swire, Deputy Chairman of the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council (CWEIC), for an exclusive session on investment opportunities and economic potential within South Asia.
Accompanied by CWEIC officials, including Sri Lanka’s CWEIC Country Chair and The Capital Maharaja Organisation Group Director Niro Cooke, Board Member Pamela O’Leary, and Country Director Deshan Gonawela, the delegation was welcomed by Colombo Port City Economic Commission Director General Revan Wickramasuriya and CHEC Port City Colombo Ltd. Deputy Managing Director Thulci Aluwihare.
During the visit, the delegation attended a comprehensive presentation at the Port City Colombo Sales Gallery, which highlighted the city’s progress and its appeal to key investor markets, including the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific.
The regulatory environment, designed to facilitate ease of business, was a focal point of discussion. Additionally, the delegation experienced a guided tour of the Mall at Port City Colombo, South Asia’s pioneering downtown duty-free retail complex, which is already bolstering Colombo’s reputation as a hub for business and tourism.
CWEIC Deputy Chairman Lord Swire emphasized the importance of Sri Lanka positioning itself as an attractive destination for FDI. “Sri Lanka needs to demonstrate that it is open for foreign investment. Beyond the tea and tourism industries,
Port City Colombo’s Special Economic Zone offers immense potential as a transformative initiative. The Commonwealth comprises some of the fastest-growing economies, and investors will undoubtedly find the opportunities at Port City Colombo intriguing.”
Niro Cooke, CWEIC Country Chair – Sri Lanka, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Sri Lanka has traditionally been known as a tourism hotspot, but we now have the potential to evolve into a diversified service-based economy. With FDI catalysts such as Port City Colombo, a stable economic outlook, and a strategic geographic location, Sri Lanka has all the right elements to emerge as a formidable regional business hub.”
Port City Colombo has been actively strengthening investor relations across the Commonwealth as a CWEIC Strategic Partner. The city recently participated in the Commonwealth Business Forum 2024 in Apia, Samoa, where it highlighted its role in promoting sustainable economic growth and skilled workforce mobility within South Asia.
With continued international engagement and progressive initiatives, Port City Colombo is poised to become a leading economic powerhouse in the region.
