CDF Duty Free at Port City Colombo is a new downtown duty-free retail concept introduced by China Duty Free Group, one of the world’s largest duty-free operators and part of the China Tourism Group.
The store brings a globally recognized duty-free shopping experience to Sri Lanka, offering international brands, competitive pricing, and a premium retail environment comparable with major hubs such as Dubai, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Located at Port City Colombo, the store functions as a modern downtown duty-free mall designed to provide Sri Lankan tourist travellers with convenient access to duty-free shopping without the time pressure associated with airport retail.
Since commencing operations in September 2024, CDF Duty Free has served nearly 120,000 travellers, supported by an initial investment of USD 5 million. The store has positioned itself as a regional-standard duty-free destination with competitive pricing and a curated portfolio of international brands, sourced directly from band prinicipals.
CDF Duty Free operates under Sri Lanka Customs regulations and currently serves the following traveller segments.
Sri Lankan citizens and residents can shop within four days after arrival in the country, Travellers holding a valid outbound boarding pass can shop prior to departure, Accredited diplomats in Sri Lanka may shop in accordance with applicable regulations.
The current duty-free purchase allowance for arriving passengers is USD 2,000, subject to category-specific quantity limits. All transactions are digitally verified through integration with Sri Lanka Customs systems, ensuring strict regulatory compliance and transparency.
A new regulatory amendment will further enhance the downtown duty-free model in Sri Lanka. Key highlights of the proposed regulation include – Duty-free shopping eligibility after every overseas trip for Sri Lankan citizens and residents.
ELLA Receives Great Place to Work Certification
Vella has been certified as a Great Place to Work, marking a key milestone in the Group’s ongoing efforts to foster a workplace culture built on trust, shared purpose, and collective growth.
Great Place to Work is the global authority on workplace culture, employee experience, and leadership behaviours linked to strong business performance, including revenue growth, employee retention, and innovation.
Achieved on its first application, the certification reflects the strength of Vella’s people-first culture across its diverse portfolio spanning hospitality, adventure, tea, retail, leisure, and lifestyle experiences.
The Group’s expanding portfolio brings together some of Sri Lanka’s most distinctive destination-led brands, including the quiet luxury of 98 Acres Resort & Spa, the vibrant atmosphere of Ravana Pool Club, and the adventure experiences offered at Flying Ravana Adventure Park, Ella Swing, and Amber Swing. Its footprint also extends to Walaa Kulu and Villa Lé Maas Tota, while Halpé Tea, Halpe Tea Tour, Ceylon Tea Supermarket, Kiri Kopi, and Ceylon Escapade strengthen its presence across tea, retail, café culture, and travel experiences. Together, these brands reflect Vella’s vision of creating meaningful experiences that celebrate Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, cultural richness, and growing appeal as a world-class destination.
Great Place to Work certification is a globally recognised benchmark for workplace culture, awarded based on employee feedback and organisational practices that demonstrate trust, pride, credibility, respect, fairness, and camaraderie.
China Duty Free Group introduces CDF Duty Free retail concept at Port City Colombo
