Chinese SOEs in Sri Lanka: Understanding how they operate, adapt and compete oversees

This report examines how China’s SOEs have operated and evolved in Sri Lanka over the past two decades. Since the early 2000s, China’s SOEs have become deeply embedded in Sri Lanka’s infrastructure landscape, driving large-scale projects across transport, energy, real estate, and port sectors. From expressways and power plants to the Colombo Port City and Hambantota Port, Chinese SOEs have become key actors in the country’s development.

This study explores how China’s SOEs navigate Sri Lanka’s legal, regulatory, and political environment, how their operations have changed over time, and what this reveals about the evolving nature of their overseas engagement.

Published by: Arutha

Written by: Umesh Moramudali and Thilina Panduwawala

Edited by: Rehana Thowfeek and Yolani Fernando

Editorial and Layout Design Support: Shaheen Abdul Gani

Cover Image Design: Charuka Peiris

Chinese SOEs in Sri Lanka Final Report-3.pdf

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