Over the past few years, it has become increasingly clear that the public faces immense difficulties when navigating the bureaucratic procedures required for land and project development. The current process necessitates numerous visits to various departments, with individuals often spending weeks and even months to secure the necessary permissions. This not only causes significant delays but also results in financial strain and frustration for those involved.
A key challenge is that most of the public data and information required for these approvals, such as land ownership (cadastral data), land tax and values, land suitability, UDA zoning, and topographical & geological data as well as water, drainage, power street lines, and other infrastructure, , are dispersed across various departments. This fragmented availability of crucial information further complicates and prolongs the approval process.
The cumbersome bureaucratic process has a profound impact on investors as well. The lengthy and unpredictable timelines for securing necessary permissions discourage investment, as potential investors are wary of tying up capital in projects that may be delayed indefinitely. This uncertainty hampers financial planning and increases the overall risk of investment. Additionally, the financial strain caused by prolonged procedures can lead to increased costs and reduced profitability, making it less attractive for investors to engage in land and project development. Consequently, this deters both domestic and foreign investors, negatively affecting economic growth and development
Problem Identification
There are multiple issues contributing to the above, which are listed below:
1. Multiple Departmental Approvals: Applicants are required to obtain approvals from several different departments, each with its own set of requirements and timelines. The lack of a well-coordinated and convenient centralised system means that individuals must go from one department to another, often leading to redundant paperwork and prolonged waiting periods.
2. Dispersed Data and Information: Essential data related to ownership, water, drainage, power, street lines, and other infrastructure are stored across various departments. This dispersion necessitates multiple visits and interactions with different offices, adding to the complexity and duration of the approval process.
3. Inefficiency and Lack of Coordination: The coordination between different departments is often inadequate, resulting in inefficiencies and miscommunications. This lack of synchronisation further exacerbates delays and complicates the approval process.
4. Insufficient Transparency: The process lacks transparency, with applicants often being left in the dark about the status of their applications. This uncertainty can lead to further delays and additional costs, as individuals may need to repeatedly follow up on their applications.
The previous activities and gaps
Sri Lanka has made significant strides to ease land investment and streamline approval processes from local government authorities. Efforts include the digitisation of land records, the implementation of online portals, and legislative reforms to create a more conducive environment for both local and foreign investors. These measures aim to enhance transparency, reduce bureaucratic delays, and secure the rights of investors. The introduction of the SDG Investor Map, developed by the UNDP in collaboration with the Sustainable Development Council of Sri Lanka and the Board of Investment (BOI), has also been instrumental in identifying key investment opportunity areas that align with sustainable development goals (World Bank) (UNDP).
However, these efforts too face the same perennial challenges. Structural weaknesses in governance, fiscal indiscipline, restrictive trade regimes, etc. The economic crisis exacerbated these issues, leading to high inflation and debt levels, which in turn affected investor confidence.) (World Bank).
Institutional and Organisational Approaches
Appointment of a Responsible Land Management and Administration Officer: Designate an officer responsible for both Local Government and Divisional Secretariat to handle all aspects of the information required for the approval process. This officer should possess knowledge in IT, land surveying, land law, and environmental regulations. Having a single point of contact with expertise in these areas will ensure a more efficient and effective process, minimising delays and reducing the burden on applicants.
1. Integration of Public Data: Consolidate public data and information by the above officer related to land ownership (cadastral data), land tax and values, land suitability, UDA zoning, and topographical and geological data as well as water, drainage, power street lines, and other infrastructure into a unified system accessible to all relevant departments. This would facilitate easier access to critical information and expedite the approval process.
4. Enhanced Inter-Departmental Coordination: Improve communication and coordination between departments to ensure a more seamless approval process. This could involve the use of integrated software systems and regular inter-departmental meetings.
5. Increased Transparency: Develop a transparent tracking system where applicants can monitor the status of their applications in real-time. This would provide clarity and reduce the need for repeated follow-ups.
6. Public Awareness Campaigns: Conduct public awareness campaigns to educate individuals and businesses about the streamlined processes and how to navigate them effectively.
Implementing these measures will significantly improve the efficiency of the approval process, thereby fostering a more conducive environment for development and economic growth in Sri Lanka.
Technical Solution for NSDI Enhancement in Sri Lanka
Many organisations in Sri Lanka have started converting their data into Geographic Information System (GIS) and other internationally standardised formats, often with the support of international funding. However, progress has been hindered by several technical challenges, including the lack of technical capacity among staff, inadequate physical infrastructure, and the high annual costs of commercial GIS software. These economic issues have impeded the advancement of data collection and maintenance efforts.
To address these challenges, many countries have developed their own technical know-how to ensure the continuity and sustainability of data management. A significant hurdle remains the integration of various datasets into a unified web interface. The Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka initiated a National Spatial Data Infrastructure (NSDI) project in 2011 to tackle this issue. Despite these efforts, the project’s outcomes have not met the expected standards, posing a substantial challenge.
Globally, this challenge has been addressed through the adoption of ISO standard data integration models, such as the Land Administration Domain Model (LADM), ISO 19152:2012. Many countries, including the USA, Canada, Germany, India, South Korea, and Finland, have utilised this infrastructure to develop their own WebGIS platforms for data integration and dissemination with controlled access.
In Sri Lanka, the Faculty of Geomatics at Sabaragamuwa University with the collaboration of industry partners has embarked on a development project to acquire the necessary technical knowledge. They have successfully developed a web-based interface for integrating and disseminating spatial data in Sri Lanka. Additionally, the Faculty is now capable of training government staff on the associated technical knowledge, ensuring a sustainable solution for the country’s NSDI. This approach leverages local expertise and aligns with international standards, providing a robust framework for managing and utilising spatial data efficiently.
Dr.-Ing NMP Milinda Piyasena
Senior Lecture G1
Faculty of Geomatics,
Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
Dr. Vishaka Hidellage
Consultant,
UNDP Sri Lanka
Saliya Wikramasinghe
License Surveyor
