Sri Lanka FDI inflows totalled $787 million in the first nine months of 2025, driven by a mix of new projects and expansions by BOI-registered companies, according to official investment data.
Sri Lanka FDI reaches $787 million YTD as BOI approves 104 projects; Singapore leads new approvals
Sri Lanka attracted $787 million in foreign direct investment during the first nine months of 2025. The figure includes foreign equity, retained earnings, intra-company loans and commercial borrowings recorded under Board of Investment (BOI) registrations.
Out of the total, $121.8 million came from newly approved projects, while $665.2 million originated from existing BOI-registered firms. This shows that expansion activity by companies already operating in the country accounted for a major share of the inflows.
The BOI also reported approvals for 55 new projects valued at $692.2 million and 49 expansion projects worth $429.8 million this year. Together, 104 projects have been approved across various sectors. Among new approvals, Singapore secured five projects, followed by India with four and China with three. The BOI estimates around 20,000 new employment opportunities once these projects become fully operational.
Officials described the inflows as a positive indicator of investor confidence. However, the figures also come amid ongoing public discussions about the pace and scale of foreign investment under the current administration. Analysts note that while approvals and headline FDI numbers are encouraging, the real impact depends on how quickly these approvals convert into actual projects and investments on the ground.
Industry sources say the composition of inflows is crucial. Higher retained earnings and intra-company loans signal strong commitments from existing investors, while new equity investments indicate fresh capital entering the economy. To maximize the benefits of Sri Lanka FDI, consistent policies, efficient permitting processes and reliable access to foreign exchange will be essential.
Looking ahead, market watchers will focus on how effectively the approvals pipeline translates into real investments and job creation. The $787 million figure provides a clear snapshot of foreign investment momentum up to September 2025 and sets a benchmark for assessing progress in the months ahead.