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Get Approval for Tourism Projects

Approval Procedures – Tourism Projects

The Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority is committed to help potential investor invest in Sri Lanka. Lucrative incentive programs are available and the Director, Planning and Development is available to assist interested organizations and individuals.


Procedure

  1. The Project Proponent should submit a project proposal to the Director/Planning & Development of the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) (Tel. 011-2437062). The proposal should include the following factors;

    • Introduction of the investor,

    • Concept,

    • Location,

    • Product Development,

    • Financial Plan,

    • Marketing Strategy and

    • Community Benefits.

  2. The proposal will be evaluated and the Director, Planning and Development will request the Project Proponent to attend the Development Committee Meeting. At this meeting the project proposal will be discussed in detail.

  3. Subsequently, a site inspection will be conducted to evaluate the suitability of the proposed project.

  4. A “In Principle Approval” letter will be issued, following the meeting and site inspection.

  5. Once the project proposal is acceptable, the Project Proponent would have to fill in an application, ensuring all Development Guidelines are met.


Development Guidelines

The SLTDA has specific requirements a Project Proponent would have to meet in order to obtain approval. Details of these criteria are given in the following notifications: The Gazette Notification No. 1070/10, dated 11th March 1999 details requirements for hotel projects. The Gazette Notification No. 1096/6, dated 6th September 1999 details guest house project criteria.

  1. The completed application form should be submitted to the Planning and Development Division of the SLTDA.

  2. The application will be referred to all related Government Agencies for their clearance.


 

Related Government Agencies

  • Relevant Local Authorities such as Municipal Council, Urban Council and Pradeshiya Sabha

    Director (NRM &M), “Parisara Piyasa”, 104, Denzil Kobbakaduwa Mawatha, Battaramulla Tel. 011-2872419

    Director /Enforcement, 6th 7th Floor, Sethsiripaya, Battaramulla Tel. 011-2872616

    Director General, No. 18, Gregory’s Road, Colombo 07. Tel. 011-2694241

    Conservator General of Forest, Forest Department, Rajamalwatta Road, Battaramulla. Tel. 2866616, 2866128

    Manager, P. O. Box 556, New Secretariat, Maligawatta, Colombo 10. Tel. 011-2449755

    Deputy Director/Environmental Studies of Department of Irrigation, 238, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7. Tel. 2555647

    • Central Environmental Authority:

    • Urban Development Authority:

    • Department of Wildlife Conservation

    • Forest Department:

    • Coast Conservation Department:

    • Department of Irrigation

  1. The Project Proponent should thereafter submit a detailed Architectural drawing to the Development and Resorts Management Division of the SLTDA. The questionnaire issued by the Tourism Planning and Development Division of the SLTDA, should also be submitted.

  2. Final approval and clearance to commence work would be given once the SLTDA ensures that the project complies with the rules and regulations of the SLTDA and all related Government Agencies.


Note :-

If the project falls under the Prescribe Project Category as per the National Environmental Act No.47 of 1980 (Incorporating Amendment Act No.56 of 1988), the project will have to follow the EIA/IEE process to obtain environmental clearance.

 

  1. Construction work could commence within a period of six months from the date of granting the final approval by the SLTDA.

  2. Construction work will be monitored by the SLTB and quarterly project progress returns will have to be forwarded to the SLTDA.

  3. Once construction work is complete, the Project Developer must submit a copy of the Certificate of Conformity issued by the Local Authority to the SLTDA and request approval to commence operations.

  4. The Trade Standards Division of the SLTDA will carry out a quality standards inspection once the tourist establishment is fully furnished.

  5. The tourist establishment could then by registered with the Trade Standards Division of the SLTDA

 

 

To Register the establishment, the Project Developer must furnish the following

Executives Curriculum Vitae.

Staff’s medical certificates, particularly staff in the culinary department.

Bacteriological examination of water (water sampling report).

The comprehensive/combined insurance policy, which covers public liability.

Fire fighting equipment adequacy and training certificate.

Trade License issued by the Local Authority.

Environmental Protection License (EPL) issued by the Central Environmental Authority or the Local Authority.