COLOMBO: Sri Lanka investment promotion agency, the Board of Investment (BOI) has extended its Green Channel facility to an additional 24 enterprises.
The Green Channel facility is given to BOI export oriented companies, based on their excellent performances and compliance to BOI regulations. Since 2006, the BOI has awarded Green Channel facility to 108 companies.
With the Green Channel facility BOI enterprises are granted special facilities such as priority in documentation and also exemption from examination of selected cargo.
The BOI in 2014 selected 24 enterprises after thorough evaluation by a committee to receive the facility.
The committee, which comprised representatives from six departments of BOI examined key areas such as Domestic Value Addition, accurate documentation, obtaining the environment protection license, payment of EPF and ETF on time, payment of BOI dues, employees welfare facilities, Industrial peace health and safety etc. Each applicant was assessed according to the qualifying criteria’s and compliances.
After selection of qualified enterprises, a list of the same was sent to Sri Lanka Customs Department for their observations. The final list of the Green Channel holders was confirmed with the observation of the Sri Lanka Customs.
The 24 enterprises were awarded the Green Channel facility at a ceremony held on March 30 at the BOI. Chairman of BOI, Upul Jayasuriya and Director General of Customs, Jagath P Wijeweera formally presented the Green Channel certificates to the investors.
Speaking at the gathering, Jayasuriya said he was favorable to the paperless operations by introducing advanced Information Technology into the work process. He further added that the paperless operations contribute to the reduction of irregular payments and malpractices which exist.
Director General of Sri Lanka Customs Jagath P Wijeweera said the Sri Lanka Customs is working closely with the BOI and advised the enterprises to maintain their performances in complying with necessary rules and regulations in order to maintain goodwill with the authorities.
Director Investor Services of BOI Mahinda Ramanayake said the BOI has aligned with Sri Lanka Customs to provide round-the-clock service to facilitate BOI enterprises in three main service centers in BOI office at Katunayake Air Cargo Terminal, Export Processing Zone in Katunayake and Central Verification Terminal at Orugodwattta.
Sean Van Dort, Chairman, Shipper’s Council and Rohan Maskorala, Chairman Logistics Committee JAFF participated at the award ceremony. Senior BOI officials and representatives from the BOI enterprises also participated at the function.
