The process of allocating government land for new industries in Sri Lanka could take more than four years, according to Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Mrs. Thilaka Jayasundere. She made this disclosure during the Sectoral Oversight Committee on Economic Development, held recently at a Parliament committee room.
The discussion focused on the prevailing challenges in the country’s industrial sector. Mrs. Jayasundere noted that several issues, including delays in allocating land to investors under the existing procedures, have persisted for a long time. She further pointed out that, in line with international standards, around 3% of a country’s land area should be allocated for industries, while in Sri Lanka the figure stands at just 0.01%.
It was also revealed that, in the past, land allocation for industries had not been carried out under a national plan, but often due to political or other reasons, leading to various complications. Officials informed the Committee that steps are now being taken to allocate 50,000 acres of suitable land for industrial use across the island.
The Committee recommended that a comprehensive report be prepared in consultation with the Land Reforms Commission, the Urban Development Authority, and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, outlining future plans and measures to address the issue.
The meeting was chaired by Member of Parliament Ms. Lakmali Hemachandra, Attorney-at-Law. Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti and Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe also attended.
