BOI appoints Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena as acting Chairman

Senior bureaucrat Dr. Sulakshana Jayawardena has been appointed as the acting Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI), the investment promotion agency announced yesterday.

Jayawardena, a member of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service with more than two decades of experience, takes on the role at a time when authorities are seeking to accelerate foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows and streamline project approvals as part of broader economic recovery efforts.

He is best known for his work in the power and energy sector, where he has led renewable energy initiatives, rural electrification programmes and policy development, contributing to regulatory frameworks that underpin the country’s energy landscape. 

His background also spans large-scale project management, public administration and stakeholder engagement across multiple government functions.

The appointment signals a continued push to align investment promotion with infrastructure and energy priorities, particularly as Sri Lanka positions itself to attract capital into sustainable and technology-driven sectors.

Jayawardena holds a PhD along with a Master’s in Business Studies from the University of Sri Jayewardenepura and a Bachelor of Science from the University of Peradeniya. He has also completed specialised training in information technology, medical laboratory technology and diplomacy.

As acting Chairman, he is expected to steer efforts to modernise BOI processes and promote a more digitally enabled, business-friendly investment climate, with a focus on high-value sectors aligned with Industry 4.0.