Sulakshana Jayawardena appointed Acting Chairman of BOI as Sri Lanka aims to attract high-quality foreign investment and enhance business-friendly policies under his leadership.
Sulakshana Jayawardena appointed Acting Chairman of BOI to strengthen FDI and business growth
Sulakshana Jayawardena appointed Acting Chairman of BOI, marking a significant leadership transition for the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka. With over 23 years in the Sri Lankan Administrative Service (SLAS), Jayawardena brings extensive experience in public administration, policy formulation, and strategic project management, providing a strong foundation to advance the country’s investment objectives.
The appointment underscores the government’s focus on creating a more conducive environment for foreign direct investment (FDI) while enhancing the operational efficiency of the BOI. Jayawardena’s tenure is expected to emphasize policy reforms that strengthen investor confidence and streamline approval processes for international and local businesses.
Throughout his career, Jayawardena has spearheaded transformative initiatives, particularly in the power and energy sector. His leadership in Renewable Energy Development has been instrumental in promoting sustainable energy practices, optimizing national energy consumption, and guiding Sri Lanka toward cleaner and more efficient power sources. These accomplishments highlight his capacity to handle large-scale, high-impact projects—skills directly transferable to his new role in fostering economic growth through investment promotion.
As acting Chairman, Jayawardena will play a pivotal role in leveraging Sri Lanka’s strategic advantages, including its geographic location, skilled workforce, and sector-specific opportunities, to attract high-quality FDI. Analysts expect his policy-driven approach to improve investor outreach, facilitate infrastructure partnerships, and create new avenues for private sector engagement.
Sulakshana Jayawardena appointed Acting Chairman of BOI also reflects the BOI’s commitment to governance excellence and professional leadership. By drawing on his sector-specific expertise and administrative experience, the organization aims to enhance project evaluation, accelerate approvals, and implement investor-friendly reforms that align with international best practices.
Investment experts note that leadership at the BOI is crucial for translating policy intentions into tangible economic outcomes. Under Jayawardena’s guidance, the agency is expected to focus on targeted investment promotion, sector-specific incentives, and collaboration with key stakeholders in government and industry to improve Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in the global investment landscape.
The appointment comes at a time when the country is seeking to diversify FDI inflows across emerging sectors such as technology, renewable energy, tourism, and manufacturing. Jayawardena’s background in energy transition projects provides added credibility in promoting sustainable and forward-looking investment initiatives.
Furthermore, his extensive administrative track record positions him to strengthen inter-agency coordination, enhance project monitoring, and implement strategic reforms that benefit both investors and local communities. The acting Chairman is also expected to prioritize transparency, efficiency, and accountability in all BOI operations.
Sulakshana Jayawardena appointed Acting Chairman of BOI signals a strategic focus on combining administrative expertise with sector knowledge to deliver measurable outcomes. Stakeholders in the business and investment community view this as a positive step toward enhancing Sri Lanka’s reputation as an investment-friendly destination.
With this leadership transition, the BOI aims to expand its global reach, attract diversified investment portfolios, and drive initiatives that contribute to long-term economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development. Jayawardena’s appointment aligns with national priorities to improve ease of doing business and strengthen the country’s position in competitive international markets.