Port City Colombo has been recognised in the Global Free Zones of the Year 2025 rankings by fDi Intelligence, a division of the Financial Times (UK).
The project was named Best Knowledge Zone – Asia Pacific and received a ‘Highly Commended’ citation for sustainability.
These annual rankings highlight free zones that demonstrate strong potential for foreign direct investment (FDI), innovation and economic development. Port City Colombo was recognised for its regulatory framework designed to support international business operations.
Key features include fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, tax exemptions for investors, zero personal income tax for expatriate employees and legal support through the International Alternative Dispute Resolution Centre (IADRC), established to facilitate investor confidence.
The smart city, built on 269 hectares of reclaimed land adjacent to Colombo’s central business district, is attracting interest from international investors – in May for example, IGT1 Lanka (a subsidiary of IGT Holding Sweden) signed agreements to lease space at the Port City Colombo Business Centre for technology and business process operations.
In the context of sustainability, Port City Colombo was recognised for its alignment with Sri Lanka’s national carbon reduction goals.
Since 2020, the project has reported a 14 percent reduction in its carbon footprint, the planting of over 3,500 trees, and ongoing initiatives to increase renewable energy capacity and electric transport infrastructure by 2030.
