More than 10,000 acres of land in the Eastern Province are to be made available for five-star tourist hotels, agricultural projects and industries under a mega development plan drawn up by the government, officials said.
Lands Reforms Commission Chairman Nimal Punchihewa said the lands which included abandoned state lands had already been identified and the government was checking the ownership of the lands.
“The lands will be made available to companies and investors on a minimum 30 year lease that could be extended up to 99 years depending on the importance of the project,” Mr. Punchihewa said.
He said the lands would be given for major projects approved by the Board of Investment (BOI).
LRC Chief Executive Director Hariguptha Rohanadeera said that among the areas identified was a 400 acre-land bordering the Batticaloa lagoon in Kalawanchchikudy.
“We want to attract hotel projects such as the Shangri La in Colombo. This area will be for five-star to seven-star hotel projects,” Mr Rohanadeera who is also in charge of the project in the Eastern Province said.
He said projects that would generate employment would be given preference. “In addition displaced persons will be given two acres each for a five year lease period which could be extended depending on the development of the lands,”Mr. Rohanadeera said. |
E-mail
