BOI facilitates round-the-clock service for exporters
At a ceremony held on March 30 at its Head office, the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka extended its Green Channel facility to an additional 24 enterprises.
A total number of 108 enterprises have been awarded Green Channel facility since 2006. Green Channel is a facility given to BOI export oriented companies, based on their excellent performances and compliance to BOI regulations. With the Green Channel facility BOI enterprises are granted special facilities such as priority in documentation and also exemption from examination of selected cargo.
In 2014 a total number of 24 Green Channel facility holders were selected after thorough evaluation by a committee, comprising of representatives from six departments of BOI and they 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.
Upul Jayasuriya, Chairman, BOI, Jagath P Wijeweera, Director General of Sri Lanka Customs, 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.
Mahinda Ramanayake, Director Investor Services, BOI delivered the welcome address and stated that the BOI has aligned with Sri Lanka Customs to provide with “ROUND-THE-CLOCK” service to facilitate BOI enterprises in three main service centers in BOI office at Katunayaka Air Cargo Terminal, Export Processing Zone in Katunayaka and Central Verification Terminal at Orugodawatta. Upul Jayasuriya , Chairman BOI and Jagath P Wijeweera, Director General of Customs formally presented the Green Channel certificates to the investors.
Speaking at the gathering Jayasuriya said that he was favourable 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.
Jagath P Wijeweera said that the Sri Lanka customs is working very 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.
Sean Van Dort, Chairman, Shippers Council and Rohan Maskorala, Chairman Logistics JAFF also commended the efficient service provided by the BOI to improve the productivity of import and export trade in Sri Lanka.
