Board of Investment award winners 

The Board of Investment (BOI), the apex agency for foreign direct investment (FDI), last week put the spotlight on entities that have significantly contributed to the development and growth of the national economy.

The inaugural ceremony coincided with the 45th anniversary of the BOI, during which the president bestowed 30 awards upon the deserving companies for their noteworthy contributions to foreign direct investment and export performance as well as recognising longstanding active participants. A rigorous evaluation process was undertaken to ensure merit.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe affirmed his commitment to bolstering the nation’s economy through the establishment of competitive investment avenues. He commended the pivotal role played by the companies under the purview of the BOI, in driving Sri Lanka’s economic growth.

A new award category was introduced to honour individual contributions to the Sri Lankan economy. Notably, Brandix Group CEO Ashraf Omar, Mas Holdings Co-Founder and Chairman Deshamanya Mahesh Amalean and Sail Lanka Yacht Group Chairman Pierre Pringiers were presented with awards in this category. Wickremesinghe personally conferred these accolades, acknowledging their significant impact on the nation’s economic landscape.
Addressing the attendees at the Investment Board Awards Ceremony held at the Presidential Secretariat this week, Wickremesinghe underscored the significance of such initiatives. 

Reflecting on Sri Lanka’s pioneering role in establishing Special Economic Zones in South Asia, he highlighted the success of investment zones such as Katunayake and Biyagama. He emphasised their achievement in attracting significant investors, fostering industrial development and generating employment opportunities.

Most Significant FDI Contributors

• Dialog Axiata PLC
• Hambantota International Port Group (Pvt.) Ltd
• CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt.) Ltd
• Bharti Airtel Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd
• Waterfront Properties (Pvt.) Ltd
• Shangri-La Hotels Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd
• Colombo International Container Terminals Ltd 
• Hutchison Telecommunication Lanka P.L. 
• Welcomhotels Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd
• Ansell Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd

Longstanding BOI Enterprises  

• S M T Apparel Lanka Ltd (Smart Shirts) 
• Star Garments (Pvt.) Ltd
• Midas Safety Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd
• Bratex (Pvt.) Ltd
• Green Farms (Pvt.) Ltd
• Dial Textiles Ind. (Pvt.) Ltd
• Texlan Lanka Ltd
• Radiant Gems International PLC
• Yokohama TWS Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd
• Eskimo Fashion Knitwear (Pvt.) Ltd

Outstanding Exporters: Merchandise 

• MAS Holdings
• Brandix Apparel (Pvt.) Ltd
• Michelin Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd
• Hirdaramani International Exports P.L.
• Omega Line Ltd

Outstanding Exporters: Services 

• Colombo Dockyard PLC
• Virtusa (Pvt) Ltd
• Millennium I.T. Software (Pvt.) Ltd
• Rizing Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd (Attune)
• HSBC Electronic Data Proc. Lanka (Pvt.) Ltd

Outstanding Individual Contributors 

• Ashroff Omar
• Deshamanya Mahesh Amalean
• Pierre Pringiers