📈 Port City Act Amendments Boost Investor Confidence

The 2026 revisions to the Colombo Port City Economic Commission (CPCEC) Act have been implemented to align Sri Lanka’s Special Economic Zone with global standards, significantly enhancing the ease of doing business through regulatory clarity. • Governance & Investment Framework The amendments establish a predictable statutory framework for Businesses of Strategic Importance (BSI). Key features include defined minimum investment thresholds, mandatory employment creation targets, and structured performance monitoring to reduce discretionary risks for large-scale capital investments. • Banking & Financial Oversight Banking operations within the Port City are now under a single, coherent regulatory framework led by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). • Simplified approval processes for CBSL-licensed banks to open branches. • Expanded scope for offshore banking activities to drive international financial services. • Clearer supervisory authority to eliminate regulatory overlap. • Real Estate & Land Momentum Market demand remains strong with two major land lease agreements concluded in January 2026: • ICC Port City (Pvt) Ltd: Developing a luxury marina residential project for high-net-worth individuals and expats. • IFC Colombo 1 (Pvt) Ltd: A mixed-use development integrating commercial, retail, and residential components. These reforms reinforce the Port City's position as a secure, globally competitive urban ecosystem designed to attract foreign direct investment and high-value employment.