CDF Duty Free opens at Port City Colombo

Monday, 18 May 2026 00:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

CEO and Country General Manager

Dimantha Kinigama

CDF Duty Free at Port City Colombo is a new downtown duty-free retail concept introduced by China Duty Free Group, one of the world’s largest duty-free operators and part of the China Tourism Group.

The store brings a globally recognised duty-free shopping experience to Sri Lanka, offering international brands, competitive pricing, and a premium retail environment comparable with major hubs such as Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong.

Located at Port City Colombo, the store functions as a modern downtown duty-free mall designed to provide Sri Lankan tourist travellers with convenient access to duty-free shopping without the time pressure associated with airport retail. The store offers a wide range of products including perfumes, cosmetics, skincare, liquor, chocolates, electronics, fashion, and travel essentials, all sold at duty-free prices.

Since commencing operations in September 2024, CDF Duty Free has served nearly 120,000 travellers, supported by an initial investment of $ 5 million. The store has positioned itself as a regional-standard duty-free destination with competitive pricing and a curated portfolio of international brands, sourced directly from brand principals.

CDF Duty Free operates under Sri Lanka Customs regulations and currently serves the following traveller segments:

Arriving passengers: Sri Lankan citizens and residents can shop within four days after arrival in the country
Departing passengers: Travellers holding a valid outbound boarding pass can shop prior to departure
Diplomats: Accredited diplomats in Sri Lanka may shop in accordance with applicable regulations

The current duty-free purchase allowance for arriving passengers is $ 2,000, subject to category-specific quantity limits. All transactions are digitally verified through integration with Sri Lanka Customs systems, ensuring strict regulatory compliance and transparency.

A new regulatory amendment will further enhance the downtown duty-free model in Sri Lanka.

Key highlights of the proposed regulation include:

Duty-free shopping eligibility after every overseas trip for Sri Lankan citizens and residents.
Two visits allowed within the four-day post-arrival purchase period, enabling greater flexibility for travellers
Continued digital verification through Customs systems to ensure compliance with national duty-free allowances

These regulatory improvements are expected to significantly increase traveller access to duty-free benefits while strengthening Sri Lanka’s position as a modern retail and tourism destination.

CDF Duty Free said it aims to establish Sri Lanka’s first foreign downtown duty-free shopping destination, bringing international retail standards, strong brand partnerships, and competitive pricing to local consumers and travellers.

With continued Government support, regulatory modernisation, and strong collaboration with industry stakeholders, CDF plans to expand its role in Sri Lanka’s retail and tourism ecosystem while providing travellers with a convenient and premium, but value driven duty-free shopping experience.