Colomboruns on a handful of strong industries. If you’re job-hunting or weighing a move, here’s where the opportunities (and the big-name employers) are.
Top industries & employers
IT services & software
WSO2, IFS, Virtusa, 99X, Sysco LABS
Sri Lanka's strongest export sector after apparel. WSO2 and IFS both run substantial global engineering out of Colombo, and English-language technical work is the norm.
Apparel & textiles
MAS Holdings, Brandix, Hirdaramani
The country's largest export industry, supplying most major Western brands, with a genuine reputation for ethical manufacturing that the companies market hard.
Business process outsourcing
WNS, HSBC, Standard Chartered, Amba
Financial and knowledge-process outsourcing for banks and insurers, and a reliable source of English-language white-collar work.
Tea & agriculture
Dilmah, John Keells, Hayleys
Ceylon tea remains a major export and a national identity marker, with the plantation and export businesses headquartered in Colombo.
Ports & logistics
Colombo Port, SLPA, Port City Colombo
One of the busiest transshipment hubs in South Asia, sitting on the main Europe-Asia shipping lane, with a large Chinese-financed port city development alongside it.
Tourism & hospitality
John Keells Hotels, Aitken Spence, Jetwing
Recovering strongly after a difficult period, and the sector most directly targeted by the new nomad and long-stay visa categories.
Some of this may be out of date. Spotted something inaccurate? Help us keep it right for the next newcomer.