In line with the policy decision of the Sri Lanka government that the country's further development should be based on five major service-related hub activities namely: Naval, Aviation, Commercial, Energy and Knowledge, the BOI has given special emphasis on promoting investment in hub related Export Service Sectors where enormous opportunities are available for both foreign and local investors. The services sector contributed almost 58% to the country's GDP in 2014. This sector grew by 6.5% in 2014 compared to 6.4% in 2013. Adding further impetus to the development of this sector is the significance of the strategic geographical location of Sri Lanka.
With the large expansions currently taking place in the Ports and other sectors, it is expected that foreign as well as local investors will have a major role to play in the marine related export services including the following:
With a view to further develop the shipping / trade related activities in Sri Lanka, Colombo and Hambantota Ports have been declared as Free Ports.
Further the BOI has been empowered to grant concessions for new investors in the following Hub related activities in Free Ports and other designated areas.