The Government today launched the ‘ViYASA’ National Business Facilitation Centre (NBFC), a new mechanism aimed at removing administrative and regulatory bottlenecks faced by investors and entrepreneurs, with authorities expressing confidence that the initiative would help accelerate investment, industrial growth and economic transformation.

The centre, established under the Presidential Secretariat on a concept of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, was declared open this morning at Building C80, Hector Kobbekaduwa Mawatha, Colombo 7, under the patronage of Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunneththi, Deputy Minister of Finance Anil Jayantha Fernando, and Secretary to the President Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.

The NBFC has been established to coordinate with government institutions and provide solutions to issues encountered by businesses when starting and operating enterprises, while helping investors navigate administrative procedures more efficiently.

Addressing the event, Minister Handunneththi said the establishment of such a centre had long been sought by chambers of commerce, exporters and entrepreneurs, noting that one of the major challenges faced by investors was the inability to obtain approvals and services from multiple agencies in a timely manner.

He said land acquisition remained one of the biggest obstacles confronting investors, pointing out that land belonging to various institutions, legal disputes over properties and lengthy clearance procedures often discouraged investment. Investors, he noted, frequently moved to alternative destinations instead of waiting for such issues to be resolved.

The minister also highlighted difficulties relating to access to finance and customs-related procedures, adding that businesses were now more concerned about efficient facilitation rather than taxation. He said the new institution would play a key role in streamlining these processes and strengthening investor confidence.

Handunneththi further said the Government was pursuing new investments in several sectors and would implement the National Mineral Resources Policy to attract greater investment into the mineral resources sector. He also outlined plans to develop Sri Lanka into an international gem and jewellery hub.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando said economic growth and development would be central to the Government’s efforts to transform the country, adding that authorities had spent the past two years addressing obstacles faced by investors and businesses.

He said while facilitating business activities was important, policymakers also remained attentive to global economic uncertainties and developments affecting foreign exchange, exports, import revenue and the financial sector.

Meanwhile, Secretary to the President Nandika Sanath Kumanayake described the NBFC as a response to one of the country’s most pressing economic needs, particularly at a time when the economy was expanding.

He stressed the importance of developing small and medium-scale enterprises and strengthening the export sector, adding that the Business Facilitation Centre had been designed to address these priorities. According to him, the institution goes beyond the traditional “one-stop shop” model by bringing together multiple ministries and reforming existing systems to make it easier for entrepreneurs to obtain solutions to their problems.

Senior Additional Secretary to the President Seevali Arukgoda, who heads the centre, said the institution’s objective was to support the Government’s economic transformation agenda by simplifying processes involved in starting and operating businesses.

He noted that entrepreneurs would not be required to visit the office in person, as issues and supporting documents could be submitted remotely. The centre would then liaise with relevant government agencies on behalf of businesses and work towards resolving their concerns.

Arukgoda added that unresolved legal or policy-related matters would be referred to the National Operations Committee of the NBFC with recommendations for government action, while the centre would also help create a more conducive environment for new investments and business expansion.

The official website of the National Business Facilitation Centre, nbfc.presidentsoffice.gov.lk, was also launched at the event. (Newswire)

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The “ViYASA” National Business Facilitation Centre (NBFC), established under the Presidential Secretariat, will be officially declared opened tomorrow (22) with the aim of removing administrative and regulatory barriers among state institutions related to investment and industry, and accelerating approval processes.

Conceived as a direct initiative of the President, the centre is designed to bring about a positive transformation in the industrial sector. 

It will serve as a single point of contact to resolve issues faced by entrepreneurs when starting or maintaining businesses, while coordinating with relevant state institutions to provide essential facilities.

The NBFC has been set up at Building No. C‑80, Hector Kobbekaduwa Mawatha, Colombo 07, and will operate under the leadership of Senior Additional Secretary to the President, Seewali Arukgoda.

The opening ceremony will be held under the patronage of Labour Minister and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Anil Jayantha Fernando, and Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunneththi, with the participation of Presidential Secretary Nandika Sanath Kumanayake. 

At the event, the official website nbfc.presidentsoffice.gov.lk will also be launched. (Newswire)

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A National Business Facilitation Centre (NBFC) will be launched on September 22, following Cabinet approval, as part of a government initiative to streamline investment approvals and remove bureaucratic obstacles that have long hindered industrial growth.

Operating under the Presidential Secretariat, the NBFC will serve as a single point of contact for entrepreneurs and investors, coordinating across multiple state agencies to fast‑track land allocation, project development, environmental clearances, regulatory licences, utility connections, and access to financing. 

Officials said the centre is designed to cut red tape, encourage both domestic and foreign investment, and strengthen the economy ahead of debt repayment obligations beginning in 2028.

At a media briefing held yesterday (16) at the Government Information Department, Senior Additional Secretary to the President and NBFC Head Seevali Arukgoda explained that the centre will initially focus on resolving day‑to‑day regulatory, legal, and policy issues faced by entrepreneurs. 

He noted that complaints are regularly received at the Presidential Secretariat from business owners struggling with delays in approvals.

Arukgoda said the NBFC will operate in two stages: first, by addressing immediate regulatory bottlenecks, and later by offering end‑to‑end guidance under a single‑window model for individuals with capital but no business plan. 

Committees of economic experts will help prepare proposals, arrange land and utilities, and secure permits under one roof. An official website will also be launched to allow entrepreneurs to submit issues online without having to visit the Colombo centre.

Senior Assistant Secretary to the President Dasun Rajapaksha added that state institutions often fail to prioritize investor requests, leading to delays that discourage investment. 

“Through this initiative, we aim to coordinate every institution an investor must deal with directly through the NBFC, turning it into a single focal point that resolves all delays,” he said.

The NBFC will be located at C 80, Hector Kobbekaduwa Mawatha, Colombo 7, and will function under a National Steering Committee chaired by the Secretary to the President, comprising ministry secretaries and agency heads empowered to intervene directly with government institutions. (Newswire)

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