CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd., the master developer of Port City Colombo, has reaffirmed its commitment to attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Sri Lanka and delivering further infrastructure milestones, as the project enters a new phase of commercial operations and vertical development.
“Since its commencement in 2014, Port City Colombo’s strategic vision has always been centred on the betterment of the Sri Lankan community and the advancement of the national economy,” said Mr. Xiong Hongfeng, Managing Director of CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd. “The scale and magnitude of this 269-hectare strategic development reflect our confidence in Sri Lanka’s potential to emerge as a strong regional player in South Asia, while building a future that all Sri Lankans can aspire to.”
As a project of national and regional significance, Port City Colombo has demonstrated remarkable resilience through a series of challenges over the past 11 years. From political transitions and the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks to the global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and Sri Lanka’s economic crisis in 2022, the project has remained firmly on course, guided by its long-term vision of becoming a world-class investment destination in South Asia.
CHEC Port City Colombo, a subsidiary of China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), continues this legacy of commitment, building on CHEC’s contributions to landmark infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka since 1998 and reinforcing its support for the country’s long-term economic development.
Following the completion of land reclamation in 2019, Port City Colombo has achieved several key milestones that underline its growing appeal as a competitive regional investment hub. A major highlight was the enactment of the Colombo Port City Economic Commission Act in 2021, passed with bipartisan support by the Parliament of Sri Lanka. This legislation established the Colombo Port City Special Economic Zone, offering a progressive regulatory framework that enhances ease of doing business and has enabled the development of a vibrant ecosystem of modern service exports. To date, 146 enterprises have been registered within the zone.
On 17 October 2025, Port City Colombo reached another critical infrastructure milestone with the successful commissioning of public utility connections to Colombo’s main city grid, including water, electricity and sewage systems. This achievement marked a key step in the project’s transition into full-scale commercial operations and readiness for vertical development.
Strengthening its lifestyle and commercial appeal, The Mall at Port City Colombo—South Asia’s first downtown duty-free retail destination—was officially inaugurated in September 2024, positioning Colombo as a premier regional shopping and leisure hub.
Meanwhile, the Business Centre at Port City Colombo, a flagship IT and business park, broke ground in March 2024 and commenced tenant handover of office space from the end of May 2025.
Another landmark development is the Luxury Marina Project, a USD 120 million investment by Browns Investment PLC, the strategic investment arm of the LOLC Group. Officially launched on 10 January 2025, the marina will feature premium lifestyle and retail offerings, along with berthing facilities for 200 small to mid-sized yachts, and is scheduled for completion within three years.
Port City Colombo has now attracted over USD 1 billion in land development investments, including multiple high-profile projects formally designated by the Cabinet of Ministers as Primary Businesses of Strategic Importance (BSI). With 27 such strategic investments approved to date, the development continues to gain momentum as a dynamic city rising from the ocean.
In parallel, targeted initiatives led by the Colombo Port City Economic Commission are underway to secure investors for key land parcels earmarked for an International Hospital, International University and International School.
As Port City Colombo enters its next chapter, CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd. reiterates its commitment to achieving future milestones and welcomes the continued support of the Government of Sri Lanka in positioning the country as a leading regional destination for business, leisure and investment.