Sri Lanka’s economy is anchored by agriculture, apparel manufacturing, tourism, and a growing IT/BPO sector.
* **Business Districts:** Colombo is the undisputed commercial capital. The central business district is traditionally focused around **Fort (Colombo 1)** and **Slave Island (Colombo 2)**. The newly developed **Colombo Port City**, a special economic zone built on reclaimed land, is designed to be a premier regional financial hub. * **Major Industries:** The apparel sector is a cornerstone of the export economy, known globally for sustainable and ethical manufacturing. The Ceylon tea industry, rubber, and spices remain vital agricultural exports. * **Retail & Shopping:** Modern retail is centered in Colombo with major complexes like **One Galle Face**, **Colombo City Center**, and **Liberty Plaza**. * **Startups:** A burgeoning tech startup ecosystem thrives in Colombo, supported by incubators like Hatch Works, which focus on fintech, agritech, and software development.