By: Staff Writer
June 23, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is set to receive a significant boost with the official launch of the Land Bank Management Information System (LBMIS)—a centralized, automated platform offering over 3,000 acres of state and private land for tourism development.
The initiative, led by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA), was unveiled last week at a press briefing held at the Ministry of Tourism and Foreign Affairs in Colombo.
The LBMIS, now live at landbank.sltda.gov.lk, allows potential investors to browse, evaluate, and apply for strategically located land parcels suited for various tourism-related projects.
It also enables private landowners to list their lands for partnership, lease, or sale. Officials say this new system marks a transformative shift from previous opaque procedures to a more streamlined and investor-friendly model.
“This is a step towards creating a sustainable and competitive tourism sector,” said Deputy Tourism Minister Prof. Ruwan Ranasinghe. “All lands will be granted under a 33-year lease agreement, and we are implementing strict timelines. If projects remain stagnant, land will be reclaimed and reallocated to more serious developers.”
The land bank features over 20 identified plots across major tourism zones, with a mix of beach, eco, cultural, and agri-tourism potential. Among the flagship properties listed are:Dedduwa Lake Resort Zone in the south, offering 1,713 acres for integrated luxury developments.
Kalpitiya Islands, including Uchchamunai (1,095 acres) and Baththalangunduwa (291 acres) for marine and coastal resort ventures.Kuchchaveli Beach Zone with 74 acres earmarked for premium beachfront hotels.
Trincomalee, featuring 40 acres at Rasool Thottam for agri-tourism and 4 acres in Allas Garden for boutique projects.Pasikudah Beachfront, with 6.5 acres ideal for high-end resorts.Pidurangala area, with 19 acres available for nature and heritage-based tourism near the Sigiriya rock fortress.
Bentota National Holiday Resort, offering 24 acres with options for cultural centers and retail.According to SLTDA statistics, the land portfolio covers a diverse range of geographical zones, ensuring equitable regional development.
These sites were selected based on proximity to key attractions, existing infrastructure, and environmental viability. The platform also prioritizes environmental sustainability and community integration in project evaluations.
Tourism officials emphasize that this initiative aligns with Sri Lanka’s broader vision to attract high-value, low-impact tourism, targeting over 2.5 million arrivals by 2026. The country earned USD 2.07 billion in 2023 from tourism and hopes to significantly increase earnings by facilitating large-scale foreign direct investments (FDIs) through this initiative.
The SLTDA is now calling for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from both domestic and international investors with proven track records in tourism development. The authority also invites private landowners to contribute to the platform, helping to expand the tourism footprint while ensuring transparency and faster decision-making.
