A new investment strategy is being worked out by the Ministries of Finance and Economic Development with a view to increasing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for large scale projects including industrial ventures.Accordingly the mandate of Sri Lanka's Board of Investments (BOI) will be redefined and legislation enacted to replace the BOI with a new investment promotion authority, official sources said.

Chief Government Whip Dinesh Gunawardene confirmed the Government’s intensions to go ahead with legislation to legalise casinos and betting centres throughout the country despite criticism from the clergy and opposition political parties. The new law will empower a minister to designate areas in any part of Sri Lanka for gaming or gambling and is now before Parliament for approval.