Jan 24, Colombo: A new Chairman has been appointed to head Sri Lanka's investment promotion agency, Board of Investment (BOI).

Dr. Lakshman Jayaweera, a chemical engineer by profession, will assume duties today as the Chairman/Director General of the BOI.

Secretary to the Ministry of Power and Energy M.M.C. Ferdinando has functioned as the acting Chairman and Director General since July 2011.

Dr. Jayaweera was the founder and Chairman of the Australian company HydroMet Corporation Limited. He has been a consultant at the Queensland Mining Corporation since June 2012.

The new BOI chairman has over 35 years of experience in mineral processing, metal recycling, waste management and chemical manufacturing and possesses significant leadership talents in corporate affairs, operations, marketing, technical and business development.