If the investor wants to locate a project within one of the BOI administered Export Processing Zones (EPZ), he or she will be referred to the respective Director of the Zone or Zone Manager.

The EPZs have provisions for the supply of potable water conforming to World Health Organization standards, a common wastewater treatment plant, and electricity supply and telecommunication facilities.

Enterprises intending to locate outside the EPZs should contact the Project Implementation Division. This Division is able to provide quick and detailed information on suitable land sites available through its Land Bank service.

Site locations are approved by the Engineering Approvals Department. The relevant guidelines and recommendations pertaining to site approval are included in the formal letter of site approval issued by the Director of Engineering Approvals to the investors.

Environmental Protection Licences (EPL) are issued by the Environment Department, according to the type of project. These licences should be obtained prior to the start of operations.

The relevant inspection and license fees will be levied by the BOI. A guide on environmental norms together with other information is made available to the investor prior to the submission of applications.

The Engineering Approvals Department grants building plan approval. In order to obtain such approval, enterprises should submit blueprints of architectural, layout and service plans, which are certified by a chartered architect/engineer.

All factory buildings constructed in Sri Lanka must conform to the Factories Ordinance, especially those requirements regarding health, sanitation, welfare and safety of workers. The BOI's General Guidelines for Factory Buildings can be obtained from the Promotion Department.

Companies approved under Section 17 of the BOI Act are entitled to purchase duty-exempt building materials for the purpose of plant/factory construction. Duty exempt materials must be first approved by the Appraisal Department and certified by the Engineering Department.

In order to obtain duty free approval, each enterprise must submit a detailed list of project related capital equipment, spare parts and raw materials required for operational purposes to the Appraisal Department.

The Investor Services Department will liaise and assist the investor in the clearance of goods for both import and export.

Investors locating outside the Export Processing Zones may make a formal request to the Project Implementation Department to acquire infrastructure facilities such as electricity, water and telecommunications.

The provision of infrastructure facilities within a Zone is the responsibility of the Zone Manager.

Organisations intending to employ expatriate personnel must obtain a letter of recommendation from the Appraisal Department. This letter must then be submitted to the Department of Immigration and Emigration to obtain necessary visas and work permits. Visas can be renewed on the recommendation of the Appraisal Department.It is important to note that investors should arrive in Sri Lanka using an entry visa and not by a visit/tourist/business visa.