The Hambantota International Port (HIP) was a primary awardee at the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI) 45th Anniversary Awards, held at the Presidential Secretariat last week. HIP was recognised as one of the most significant FDI contributors to Sri Lanka from 2017-2022, with an investment of $1.4 Billion US dollars.
Johnson Liu, Chief Representative for China Merchants Port and the CEO of Hambantota International Port Group (HIPG), received the award from President Ranil Wickramasinge. He said, “In addition to our initial investment of US$ 1.4 billion US dollars, we infused another USD 28.7 million to enhance the port’s infrastructure. We believe development has to go hand in hand with investment for enterprises to develop and grow, and going forward, will continue to invest in the port. Our goal is to make HIP the best service offering in the region.”
The CEO said the port has also contributed significantly towards Sri Lanka’s industrial sector, with the ongoing success of their Industrial Park. “Our industrial park has already yielded considerable secondary FDI’s, generated from a number of global investors. We are well aware that collective collaboration between the Government, export oriented manufacturers and service providers are all instrumental in paving the way to position Sri Lanka as a favourable investment hub.”
BOI’s awarding criteria for top enterprises was based on substantial contributions made towards Sri Lanka’s economic transition over the past forty-five years. The categories included significant FDI contributors i.e. projects that helped shape and transform the local economy, based on the value of FDI. This was a key criteria for the BOI whose principal mandate is facilitating foreign direct investment. Other categories were the recognition of longstanding BOI enterprises and longstanding exporters.
The 45th anniversary was inaugurated by President Ranil Wickramasinge. Minister Dilum Amunugama and BOI Chairman Dinesh Weerakkody were also present at the event, where a cross section of exceptional enterprises across the country were recognized.