‘Allocation of land for new industry can take more than four years’

For want of an efficient system, the allocation of land for a new industry could take more than four years, the Sectoral Oversight Committee (SOC) on Economic Development and International Relations was told recently.

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A statement issued by Parliament has quoted the Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development as having explained the difficulties experienced in allocation of land in terms of the existing procedures. The process could take more than four years, the official has said, adding that allocation of 3% of a country's land area was in line with international concepts, however land allocated for industries in Sri Lanka stands so far at only 0.01%.

This transpired at a recent SOC meeting, chaired by Attorney-at-Law Ms. Lakmali Hemachandra, MP. According to the statement received from Parliament, the SOC has reviewed the performance of the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development and the performance of the five institutions under it.

Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Sunil Handunnetti and Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe also participated in the Committee meeting.