The American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka has urged the government to prioritise policy clarity and faster decision-making to attract high-quality foreign direct investment, warning that regulatory uncertainty remains the biggest barrier for investors.
AmCham President Sandun Hapugoda told Newswire that Sri Lanka is at a critical stage in its economic recovery and must demonstrate predictability in policy direction to compete for global capital.
“Investors require predictability in policy direction and timely decision-making to confidently deploy capital. Delays, ambiguity, and fragmented processes can often outweigh the country’s inherent advantages,” Hapugoda said.
He acknowledged Sri Lanka’s strengths — its strategic location, skilled workforce, and growing digital infrastructure — but stressed that global capital is “highly competitive and mobile,” requiring urgent, transparent, and coordinated responses from government institutions.
AmCham announced it is establishing a structured coordination platform to fast-track investment proposals and address operational challenges faced by US businesses in Sri Lanka. The initiative will focus on accelerating engagement between investors and government agencies, clarifying regulatory matters, creating a responsive feedback system, and promoting a fair business environment.
The statement comes days after the IMF concluded its 5th and 6th reviews with a staff-level agreement for $700 million in disbursements, and as Colombo Port City reported $900 million in FDI commitments within five months — signals that investor interest exists but needs institutional support to convert into sustained flows.
Hapugoda added that public-private collaboration is key to unlocking Sri Lanka’s economic potential and accelerating sustainable growth.
