The Board of Investment (BOI) hosted an event aimed at informing prominent Malaysian businesses about potential foreign direct investment (FDI) opportunities available in Sri Lanka. This comprehensive FDI promotion session spanned an entire day and featured participation from several key stakeholders, including the Urban Development Authority, Colombo Port City, the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, the Information Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka Sustainable Energy Authority, the Department of Commerce, the Port City Commission, and CHEC Port City Colombo. The Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MAICCI), which is affiliated with the National Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Malaysia (NCCIM), includes both State and District Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry across Malaysia.
MAICCI engages in a wide range of activities that encompass various aspects of collaboration between the private sector and government, including trade, policy advocacy, support for entrepreneurs, business consulting, networking both domestically and internationally, investment facilitation, and human resource development.
Mr. Dato’ S. Parthiban, President of the Malaysian Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Penang, spearheaded a delegation of 15 members to the BOI to investigate potential FDI possibilities in Sri Lanka. This group represented a variety of sectors, such as information and communication technology (ICT), banking, value-added agriculture, mining, IT infrastructure (including data center development), fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), manufacturing, health care, recycling, semiconductors, waste management, hospitality, business consulting, and biotechnology, alongside a representative from the Prime Minister’s department.
Senior officials from the BOI, led by Director General Ms. Renuka M. Weerakone, presented a comprehensive overview of the investment landscape and business ecosystem in Sri Lanka to the Malaysian investors. They highlighted various investment prospects and identified structured projects that are ready for immediate funding. Key figures present included Dr. Hans Wijesuriya, Presidential Advisor on Digital Economy; Sanjaya Karunsena, CEO of Gove Tech; Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman of the Export Development Board; Raven Wickremasuriya, Director General of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission; Charitha Yattogoda, Head of the Trade Promotion Division and Bilateral Affairs; Chaminda Jayasekera, Deputy Director General of the Sri Lanka Sustainable Authority; Bai Xiaping, Assistant Managing Director of the Port City Economic Commission; along with other high-ranking officials from various ministries and agencies.
This meeting was organized to showcase Sri Lanka’s readiness to welcome diverse business ventures from Malaysia. Each participating Sri Lankan agency presented potential business opportunities, crucial infrastructure to support FDI, and the appealing lifestyle options available for investors in Sri Lanka.
The Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka outlined the national strategy aimed at enhancing digital capabilities in the country and its ambition to take the lead in Industry 4.0 as part of the government’s digital transformation initiatives. Additionally, GovTech Sri Lanka, the primary agency responsible for implementing this transformation, elaborated on its role in simplifying the business environment and advancing digitalization in Sri Lanka.
During the Export Development Board’s presentation, the current landscape of export development and the value of “Made in Sri Lanka” were discussed. The support provided by the BOI to exporters is instrumental for foreign investors, as it creates opportunities for establishing businesses in Sri Lanka, capitalizing on product and market potential, and leveraging the nation’s unique brand equity as a robust starting point for new FDIs.
The Urban Development Board provided insights into urban development initiatives, highlighting available land in the Colombo area suitable for real estate investments, which include mixed-use developments in education, technology, hotels, tourism, and theme parks. Furthermore, information regarding land availability across various sectors nationwide was shared.
The Malaysian delegation expressed particular interest in opportunities related to renewable energy, especially solar energy solutions, as well as ICT infrastructure development, such as data centers, networking, cybersecurity, access control, public address systems, building management systems, audiovisual systems, and software solutions. Some companies with existing business presence in Malaysia exhibited interest in sustainable sectors, particularly in waste management and recycling (for plastics and metals). Delegates also represented traditional trading houses, showing keen interest in manufacturing aviation components and services, oil and lubricants, sustainable products and packaging, import and export activities, and original equipment manufacturing. Additionally, a longstanding spice business involved in the discussions sought more opportunities in agri-processing, food manufacturing, integrated food solutions, and spice value chains, including Halal-certified products.
On the second day, March 31, 2026, the delegation engaged with the Malaysian Business Council at Marine Bay, Colombo, followed by a networking lunch. The itinerary also included a visit to the Katunayake Export Processing Zone (EPZ) and a factory tour of KIK, which provided participants with firsthand insight into Sri Lanka’s industrial landscape. Overall, the visit fostered enhanced investment collaboration, raised awareness of key sectors, and facilitated potential partnerships and investment opportunities between Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
Source: Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
