Web-based map for identifying protected lands in Sri Lanka

The Survey Department, on a request by the Central Programme Management Unit of the Ministry of National Policies and Economic Affair, has taken initiatives to establish a comprehensive data base that indicate all major reserves in one web-based map which allow investors to identify suitable available lands for their investments.

A statement issued by the Policy Development Office of the Prime Minister’s Office said that unavailability of comprehensive map that indicated land reserves such as forest reserves, wildlife reserves, riverine reserves, coastal reserves etc. is one of the most unfavorable factors that affect the investor attraction of the country. 

Hence, it is considered as a major responsibility of the government to provide conducive environment that attract more investors to establish in Sri Lanka while minimizing the hurdles that prevent investors to invest in Sri Lanka, it said.

The map database includes the information provided by regulators of state owned lands such as Department of Wildlife, Department of Forest Department and Coast Conservation Department etc. 

The web address www.survey.gov.lk/nsdi/lis/index_cad.php allows users to Search locations visually based on the map, search location by uploading known GPS location and Input the name of a location to find it on the map. 

By providing this information on state own lands, investors could find details of suitable lands before deciding on location for investment projects in order to prevent unnecessary delays, the Policy Development Office said.