The Colombo Port City Economic Commission is preparing to invite Requests for Proposals (RFPs) from internationally recognised operators to establish a university, hospital, and international school, marking a significant step in the transformation of Port City Colombo into a globally competitive business and investment destination. The initiative forms part of the next phase of the Special Economic Zone’s development, shifting its emphasis from real estate towards world class social infrastructure.
Speaking at a forum organised by the Public Relations Forum of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Institute of Directors, the American Chamber of Commerce in Sri Lanka (AMCHAM), and Port City Colombo, Colombo Port City Economic Commission Chairman Harsha Amarasekera, PC, said internationally recognised education and healthcare institutions are essential to attract multinational corporations and highly skilled professionals to establish long term regional operations in Sri Lanka.
Amarasekera explained that the selection criteria would prioritise globally recognised institutions capable of delivering international standards in education and healthcare. He noted that these facilities would also strengthen Sri Lanka’s domestic education and health sectors while reducing the country’s expenditure on overseas education and medical treatment.
He further highlighted that Port City Colombo operates as a dollarised Special Economic Zone, currently permitting transactions in 14 foreign currencies, while offering an attractive regulatory framework for international businesses. However, he acknowledged that the shortage of skilled technology professionals remains a challenge to attracting large scale investments and suggested that foreign expertise could serve as a temporary solution while supporting knowledge transfer to the local workforce.
With five developments already under construction and another five expected to be awarded before the end of the year, the Commission aims to accelerate Port City Colombo’s evolution into a leading regional hub for business, education, healthcare, innovation, and internationally traded services.
