Minister of Investment Promotion, Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena, inaugurated a new online application system which is now operational. Investors can apply online to start projects in the Section 17 category, which are projects that operate under the BOI law and represent about 90% of all applications received.

The development of a new online application system has opened Sri Lanka to the outside world. investors in any location can access this application system and apply to start a project in Sri Lanka.

The system is both user friendly and secure and has provisions for corrections to be made, should the applicant make a mistake in his or her application.

The application forms are broken up into 5 segments to make it more user-friendly. The system also includes site approval and boasts a login section.

The application by the investor can be accepted online, prior to the final approval. Other features include a payment gateway to handle online payments for application fees.