BOI courts British investors at London trade and investment forum

The Board of Investment (BOI) of Sri Lanka has presented the country’s investment opportunities, incentives and business facilitation framework to British investors and business leaders at a series of promotional events held in London on October 21 and 22.

The two-day programme, organised by the Export Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with the Sri Lankan High Commission in the UK, was led by Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe. The key event, the Sri Lanka–UK Trade and Investment Forum, held at the Sri Lankan High Commission on October 21, attracted more than 130 participants. Delivering the BOI presentation titled “Investing in Sri Lanka”, Executive Director (Investment Promotion and Research) Priyanka Samaraweera outlined investment incentives, tax benefits, duty-free import facilities, investment zones and preferential market access available to investors. She also highlighted measures aimed at improving the ease of doing business in the country.

The forum also featured discussions on bilateral investment prospects, emerging opportunities and ways to strengthen Sri Lanka–UK business partnerships, alongside a presentation on Port City Colombo and the real estate sector.

On October 22, the Minister and the delegation met representatives of the Sri Lanka–UK Chamber of Commerce at a breakfast meeting at The Oriental Club in London. Around 15 UK investors and traders participated in discussions on investment opportunities, bilateral trade, value addition, technology and know-how sharing, and preparations for Sri Lanka Expo 2027.

A separate networking session with around 40 members of the London investment community was held at the Dover Marina Hotel and Spa that evening. The BOI outlined Sri Lanka’s investment policies, qualifying criteria, available incentives and current investment opportunities. Bilateral business-to-business meetings were also held during the visit. The programme additionally sought to attract British participation in Sri Lanka Expo 2027, scheduled for January 14–17, while encouraging UK businesses to explore sourcing, investment and partnership opportunities in Sri Lanka.

Source : Daily News