BOI says London Stock Exchange Group investment reflects growing investor confidence

The Board of Investment (BOI) said yesterday the decision by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) to set up its global business services arm in Sri Lank was very significant since it reflects the growing attractiveness of Sri Lanka as a destination for FDI.

It also proves that Sri Lanka has the capacity to attract investments by leading companies in the world, and particularly from the United Kingdom.

BOI Chairman Upul Jayasuriya exchanges the agreement with LSEG Group Head of Shared Services Martin Ryan. LSEG Executive Director Exchange Technology Duminda Liyanawela is also present

The new facility will directly employ 400 personnel in high technology jobs. These employees will be providing technology services which are central to the group’s global network. LSEG will invest and recruit in Sri Lanka which will further boost the country’s IT Sector. The facility will be located in the ‘Tripoli Market’ district of Colombo.

Over 100 IT-related projects are in commercial operation under the purview of the BOI in software development, call centres and IT enabled services. These companies employ over 16,350 personnel. It’s an export market of $ 261 m in 2015. BOI is very keen to attract investments in the IT sector as it has emerged as a growing export industry creating jobs for young qualified people.

Also present at the signing were LSEG Business Services Ltd. Sri Lanka Country Head Rohan Paulas, LSEG Executive Director – Exchanges Technology Duminda Liyanwela, BOI Executive Director/Investment and Promotion Renuka Weerakone and BOI Director/Media and Publicity Dilip S. Samarasinghe.