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With strong economic growth and an expanding population, Sri Lanka faces increasing demand for cost-efficient and clean energy. Similarly, the expansion and modernisation of the country’s cities, towns and villages is also placing higher demands on water and sewerage services, with investment in these vital utilities needed for successful future development. In a bid to meet these challenges, the current government has adopted a business-friendly approach to energy and utilities, with public-private partnerships and foreign investment seen as having a key part to play in upgrading these services. Therefore, the sector is one of the most promising for overseas interests, offering plenty of opportunities and a strong demand for action. This chapter contains an interview with Anura Wijayapala, Chairman, Ceylon Electricity Board.

With sustained double-digit growth in visitor arrivals and burgeoning foreign exchange receipts, tourism is one of the most dynamic and robust sectors of the Sri Lankan economy. The country’s growing reputation is drawing visitors from an increasingly diverse range of markets to its pristine beaches, historical landmarks and adventure-packed outdoors. Building on this success, the government is now aiming to position Sri Lanka as Asia’s leading island destination, focusing on high-value segments such as cultural tourism and tour packages for visitors aged 60 and up. The government’s Tourism Vision 2025, under discussion at time of press, aims to improve management, investment in assets and infrastructure, and draw foreign direct investment into the industry. This chapter contains interviews with John Amaratunga, Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs; and Hiran Cooray, Chairman, Jetwing.

Across the island, a wide-ranging infrastructure development campaign is unrolling to expand Sri Lanka’s production capacity, efficiency and productivity, with the added aim of reducing regional disparity. Building and infrastructure projects are expected to strengthen the country’s economy, with the ultimate aim of achieving high-income, sustainable economic growth for all Sri Lankans. Various programmes are set to span the entire spectrum of infrastructure assets, encompassing transport, housing and urban development, hospitals, water supply and sanitation, and industrial areas including warehouses and logistic centres. Although Colombo’s high-end luxury property such as hotels, condos and retail outlets comprise the main draw, other areas – such as Galle and Colombo’s suburbs – are also receiving increased attention and investment from both foreign and domestic sources, as well as from expats looking to return home after the cessation of a decades-long civil conflict in 2009. This chapter contains interviews with Patali Champika Ranawaka, Minister of Megapolis and Western Development; Susantha Ratnayake, Chairman, John Keells; and Wong Heang Fine, Group CEO, Surbana Jurong.

A long-time economic mainstay and the country’s primary employer, the agriculture sector makes up 9% of Sri Lanka’s GDP and is a significant source of foreign exchange. With the exception of rubber, all of the country’s major agricultural exports saw growth between 2010 and 2015. Export earnings increased during the same period, with agricultural exports comprising around one quarter of the total. The sector includes an established plantation segment, producing mainly tea, coconut and rubber, and a less-established food crop production segment, which produces fruits, vegetables and other crops, predominantly for domestic consumption. This chapter contains interviews with Navin Dissanayake, Minister of Plantation Industries; and Jayantha Karunaratne, Chairman,Tea Exporters Association.

Situated close to some of the world’s most important sea lanes, connecting the Asian, African and European continents, Sri Lanka has some major strategic advantages when it comes to global transport links. At the same time, this island of nearly 21m people lies just off the coast of one of the world’s largest and fastest-developing economies – India – while enjoying excellent relations with another global leader, China. Both have helped give Sri Lanka a strong foundation on which to further develop its transport and logistics infrastructure, with the goal of becoming an international hub for those countries now firmly in view. This chapter contains interviews with Dammika Ranatunga, Chairman, Sri Lanka Ports Authority; and Kasturi Chellaraja, Managing Director for Pharmaceuticals, Logistics and Maritime, Hemas Holdings.

Sri Lanka’s commitment to being conducive to private-sector business development is reflected in its marked orientation towards trade and investor-friendly encouragement of foreign direct investment. Building on its strategic location at the gateway to India and between the Middle East, Africa and South-east Asia, the government of Sri Lanka is pushing an agenda of open and free-market economic policy to promote and expand trade and economic links, with the ultimate goal of becoming a regional trade centre. An up-and-coming middle class with disposable income and a preference for spending over saving, in addition to a strong economy with mounting tourism receipts and few restrictions on foreign investment, make Sri Lanka a favourable destination for retail investors of all stripes. This chapter contains interviews with Indira Malwatte, Chairwoman, Sri Lanka Export Development Board; Ashok Pathirage, Chairman and Managing Director, Softlogic Group; and Dilith Jayaweera, Chairman, George Steuart Group.