July 22, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka has recorded a notable uptick in foreign investment approvals during the first half of 2025, signalling increased investor confidence and renewed economic momentum.
According to Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chaturanga Abeysingha, the Board of Investment (BOI) has given the green light to 57 new projects this year, representing a combined value of US$ 569 million.
Of the total pledged investment, approximately US$ 507 million has already materialised in the country, marking a substantial inflow of foreign capital. The Deputy Minister noted that these figures reflect a more than twofold increase compared to the same period in 2024, a promising sign of Sri Lanka’s shifting economic trajectory.
Describing the current phase as a transition “from stability to growth,” Abeysingha highlighted that the government is actively removing bureaucratic hurdles and streamlining regulatory procedures in order to make the country more investor-friendly.
He underscored the administration’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the ease of doing business, which he credited as a key driver behind the uptick in foreign direct investment.
Looking ahead, the Deputy Minister pointed to several initiatives that are expected to further bolster economic activity. These include the establishment of new Export Processing Zones (EPZs), the allocation of specially designated land for tourism-related ventures, and expanding opportunities linked to the ambitious Port City development project.
“These measures are not merely short-term boosts—they are part of a broader, strategic realignment of our economic framework aimed at long-term, sustainable growth,” Abeysingha said.
In parallel with these positive investment trends, Sri Lanka has also witnessed a marginal decline in inflation, providing some relief to households and businesses alike.
The Department of Census and Statistics reported that overall inflation dropped from 0.6 per cent in May to 0.3 per cent in June. Food inflation also eased significantly, falling from 5.9 per cent in May to 4.2 per cent the following month.
