Business opportunities are exploitable set of circumstances with uncertain outcome, requiring commitment of resources and involving exposure to risk. In other words, a business opportunity involves the sale or lease of any product, service, equipment, etc. that will enable the purchaser-licensee to begin a business.
Highly Literate and Cost Competitive Labor Force
The Sri Lankan work force accounts for 35% of the total population. Sri Lanka boasts high levels of education. It has the highest literacy rate in South Asia (92%) and approximately 50% of the students who have completed their higher education are trained in technical and business disciplines. English is widely spoken in the country and is the main language used by the business community. Sri Lanka has one of the lowest labor cost per worker in manufacturing.
Attractive and Transparent Laws
When one sign’s an agreement with the Board of Investment (BOI), the specific incentives granted to an eligible company, which may include tax holidays or preferential tax rates, exemptions from customs duty and foreign exchange controls, remain valid for the entire life of the enterprise.
Constitutional Guarantee for Investments
Sri Lanka has an enviable record of political credibility in the international arena. All major political parties are committed to free enterprise and individual freedom. The government has never defaulted nor requested rescheduling of any of its international obligations. Significantly this protection extends to foreign investors. Bilateral investment agreements supported by a constitutional guarantee, provides strong protection for foreign investment in Sri Lanka.
The safety of foreign investment is guaranteed through the acceptance by two third majority of Parliament of the Constitutional Guarantee of Investment Protection Agreements. Under article 157 of the country's constitution, the agreement enjoys the force of law and no legislative, executive or administrative action can be taken to contravene the provisions of a bilateral investment agreement otherwise than in the interests of national security.
Bilateral investment agreements are valid for 10 years, and are extended automatically unless terminated by either party. If the agreement is terminated investments already made are protected for another 10 years.
A clause in the Sri Lankan constitution ensures the sanctity of the agreements. These agreements provide the following:
- Protection against nationalization.
- Prompt and adequate compensation if required.
- Free remittance of earnings, capital and business fees.
- Settlement of disputes under the International Convention for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID).
Bilateral Investment Protection Agreements exist between Sri Lanka and the following countries: Belgium/ Luxembourg, Canada, China, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, France, Germany, Iran, India, Italy, Indonesia, Japan, The Republic of Korea, Luxembourg, Malaysia, The Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Romania, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.
Sri Lanka is also a founder member of the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA). This provides further safeguards against expropriation and non-commercial risk. Investors may also refer disputes for arbitration under the rules of the International Chamber of Commerce. Property Insurance can be obtained in foreign currency through domestic or foreign insurers.
Last Updated on: 19-05-2010
