அரசு சேவை மையங்கள்
Service Cluster
Social Welfare & Benefits
Financial assistance, rehabilitation, and support services for vulnerable families, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities
ⓘ Amounts are per household per month. Households with 2 or fewer members receive half the stated amount. Amounts and periods are subject to Gazette notification — check wbb.gov.lk for the latest. Additionally: elderly beneficiaries receive a Rs. 5,000/month top-up, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients receive Rs. 5,000/month as supplemental support through December 2025.
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Obtain the application form from the Social Welfare counter at this office or download it from wbb.gov.lk. Submit to this office within the open application window.
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A Grama Niladhari officer will visit your home for a household-level enumeration, collecting 22 socio-economic indicators to calculate your Multidimensional Deprivation Score.
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A Selection Committee at this office reviews and verifies the information. The preliminary beneficiary list is published at the GN office and on wbb.gov.lk for public inspection.
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If your name is included, you will be notified to provide a bank account number. Monthly payments are credited directly to your account — no cash counters.
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If your name is not on the list and you believe you are eligible, file an appeal (see below). New applications are accepted annually.
- If your name is not on the list, download the appeal form at wbb.gov.lk or collect it from the Social Welfare counter at this office
- Submit the form online at iwms.wbb.gov.lk/complaint or physically at this office
- District Secretariat Assessment Committees review all appeals — targeted 10-week resolution window
- Check whether your name is on the current beneficiary list at iwms.wbb.gov.lk/household/list
- Objections (if a non-eligible person is on the list) can also be filed — supporting evidence required
- Beneficiary lists are published at every GN office in the division for physical inspection
The scheme is expanding in July 2025, adding approximately 400,000 new families. Eligibility criteria are also being revised with new indicators to better reflect post-crisis poverty realities. New applications are accepted annually — you do not need to wait for a special window.
Providing false information in an Aswesuma application is a criminal offence under the Welfare Benefits Act No. 24 of 2002. Benefits may be terminated and recovery proceedings initiated if fraud is discovered. Eligibility is reassessed periodically — report changes in your household income or circumstances to this office promptly.
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Livelihood development grants for small-scale self-employment — home-based sewing, food processing, handicrafts, home gardening, and small agriculture. Apply through the Samurdhi Officer at this office.
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Samurdhi Community Banking (SCB) — savings and micro-credit facility operated through Samurdhi Bank Societies at the GN division level. Members can borrow at low interest for income-generating activities.
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Housing assistance — grants toward housing improvements for low-income families. Applied through the Samurdhi Officer with GN certification.
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Empower 2025 programme — the Ministry plans to empower 300,000 Aswesuma beneficiaries through livelihood development, infrastructure support, and social welfare upskilling in 2025.
- Current or former Samurdhi / Aswesuma beneficiary status or low-income household
- NIC of applicant
- Grama Niladhari certification of income status
- For self-employment grant: business proposal / estimate for the activity
- For SCB loan: active Samurdhi Bank Society membership and savings record
The Samurdhi Bank Societies continue to operate at GN division level even under the Aswesuma transition — they offer savings accounts, small loans, and insurance products to low-income community members. Contact the Samurdhi Officer at this office or your GN for the nearest society location.
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Elders' Identity Card — Citizens aged 60+ can obtain an Elders' Identity Card from their Grama Niladhari or from this office. The card gives priority service at government institutions, additional interest on NSB fixed deposits, and a 5% discount on medicines from the National Pharmaceuticals Department.
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Monthly Elderly Allowance (Aswesuma top-up) — Under the 2025 Aswesuma expansion, 820,000 elderly beneficiaries receive an additional Rs. 5,000/month (increased from Rs. 3,000 in April 2025). Eligibility requires being an existing Aswesuma beneficiary aged 70+ with income below Rs. 3,000/month.
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Maintenance Board — Elders who have been neglected by their children may claim maintenance from them under the Protection of the Rights of Elders Act No. 9 of 2000. Apply through the DS office. Parents under 60 with physical or mental disability may also apply.
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Home Care Services — Trained home care workers are available through the National Secretariat for Elders at low cost (around Rs. 750 per 8-hour shift). Contact this office for a referral.
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Divisional Elders' Committee — Every DS division has a Divisional Elders' Committee supported by a government grant of Rs. 5,000. Village-level GN Elders' Committees also receive support. If no committee exists in your area, speak with your GN to establish one.
- NIC confirming age 60 or above
- Birth certificate (if NIC is not clear on age)
- One passport-size photograph
- Obtainable from GN office, this DS office, or the National Secretariat for Elders
Under the Protection of the Rights of Elders Act No. 9 of 2000, children who neglect their elderly parents can be taken before the Maintenance Board and ordered to pay maintenance. The Act also requires all organisations providing services to elders to be registered. If an elder in your community needs help and has no family, contact this office for a referral to the Wedihiti Awarana sponsorship scheme.
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Monthly Living Allowance (NSPD) — Rs. 10,000/month (increased from Rs. 3,000 in 2019, raised to Rs. 10,000 from April 2025). Programme running since 2007, now expanding to 72,000 beneficiaries. Administered through the National Secretariat for Persons with Disabilities (NSPD). Apply with DS recommendation.
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Assistive Devices — wheelchairs, hearing aids, spectacles, crutches distributed subject to availability and medical certification. Applications require DS recommendation and a medical certificate from a government institution. Maximum value: Rs. 10,000 per device.
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Self-Employment Grants — low-income persons with disabilities (income below Rs. 6,000/month) can apply for a self-employment seed grant. A business estimate must be submitted with DS recommendation. DS recommendation is the gateway — apply at this office.
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Vocational Training — the Department of Social Services and NSPD coordinate free vocational training at provincial centres for youth with disabilities. Contact the Social Welfare counter here for registration.
- Medical certificate from a recognised government hospital confirming the disability and its permanence
- NIC of the person with disability
- DS recommendation letter — obtained from the Social Welfare counter at this office
- For living allowance: Grama Niladhari certification of household income
- For devices: doctor's prescription specifying the device required
- For self-employment grant: written business plan / estimate for the activity
- Disability Identity Card issued by NSPD (if already registered)
Under the Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act No. 28 of 1996, all public buildings are legally required to be accessible. Employers with 25+ employees must employ at least 1% persons with disabilities. The DS recommendation is the key document for nearly all disability benefits — visit the Social Welfare counter here first before going to provincial or national offices. The NSPD disability living allowance is separate from the Aswesuma disability top-up; a person may be eligible for both.
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Contagious / Serious Disease Assistance — financial aid for families where the breadwinner is suffering from Tuberculosis (TB), Leprosy, or Cancer. Requires a medical certificate from a government hospital and GN confirmation of the family's financial hardship.
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Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD / CKDU) — patients diagnosed with CKD of unknown etiology receive Rs. 5,000/month through the Aswesuma scheme. Benefits extended through December 2025 under the 2025 expansion. Application through the Social Welfare counter with a hospital letter confirming diagnosis.
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Casual Relief (House Fire / Flood / Disaster) — one-time grants for families whose homes have been destroyed or severely damaged by fire, flood, or other sudden disaster. The GN files a situation report; relief is disbursed through this office upon DS approval.
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Cataract Lens Assistance — low-income senior citizens requiring Intra Ocular Lens (IOL) surgery can apply for assistance. Monthly income below Rs. 3,000 and a surgeon's prescription from a government Eye Hospital are required.
- For disease assistance: medical certificate from a government hospital confirming TB, Leprosy, Cancer, or CKD diagnosis
- Grama Niladhari report on family circumstances and financial situation
- NIC of the patient / affected family member
- For house fire / disaster: GN situation report describing the damage
- For cataract: prescription from a government Eye Surgeon confirming IOL requirement
Casual relief funds are limited in quantity and allocated annually. Apply as soon as possible after the event — delayed applications may not be accommodated within the current year's budget. Always get the GN situation report filed within the first week of the incident.
The Sri Lanka Social Security Board (SLSSB), established by Act No. 17 of 1996, provides pension and social security for those not covered by a government pension. Membership can be obtained at this DS office, GN offices, or directly at SLSSB district offices. Visit ssb.gov.lk for more details.
? Surekuma
For individuals aged 18–59. Choose your pension amount and payment period. Pension begins at age 60. The most widely used scheme.
? Arassawa
For children under 18, contributions by guardians. Auto-transfers to Surekuma at age 18 — great way to start saving for your child's retirement.
? Kalakaru
For artists aged 23–55. Customisable pension + Rs. 50,000 fixed deposit paid alongside the first pension payment.
✈️ Vigamanika
For migrant workers aged 18–59. Payment options match work duration abroad. Pension starts at 60.
⛵ Seafarers Scheme
Social security for seafarers under Sri Lanka's Maritime Labour Convention and Merchant Shipping Act.
?? Farmers & Self-Employed
Farmers, fishermen, and self-employed individuals can enroll in Surekuma with flexible contribution options suited to irregular income.
SLSSB membership can be enrolled at this office, at your GN's office, or at the SLSSB district office. Contributions are flexible and affordable — many self-employed residents in the division are not covered by any pension. Starting a Surekuma account today, even with small contributions, secures your income after 60.
Social Welfare Help Desk
Bring your NIC and a Grama Niladhari certificate when visiting for any welfare inquiry. We will guide you to the right programme.
Land Related Matters
State land permits · Grants · Leases · Succession & Transfer — and other land related matters
▶ Know the Difference: LDO Permit vs. Land Grant
? LDO Permit
- What it is
Temporary occupancy right issued under the Land Development Ordinance No. 19 of 1935 - Renewal
Renewed annually on payment of a nominal fee - Ownership
State retains ownership — you are a permit holder - Can you sell?
No. - Can you mortgage?
No. - Protection
Cannot be seized in execution of a court judgment
? Land Grant (Deed)
- What it is
Full ownership document signed by the President under the LDO (Swarnabhoomi, Jayabhoomi, Ranbima etc.) - Renewal
Permanent — no annual renewal needed - Ownership
Full legal title vests in you - Can you sell?
You can transfer the land not sell only to spouse, children, or blood relatives — or to a farmer-class person (DS approval is no longer required) - Can you mortgage?
Yes, DS approval is no longer required — can be used as loan security at any licensed bank or registered finance company - Protection
Full legal title; stronger protection in court
Over 80% of land in Sri Lanka is state land. You cannot claim ownership of state land simply by living on it — no matter how many years you have been there. landcom.gov.lk has full guidance on the Land Development Ordinance. To understand private land deeds and registration, see the Private Land section below.
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Make a written request to the Divisional Secretary stating that you are landless and wish to be considered for a land allocation. This registers you for the Land Kachcheri programme.
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Attend the Land Kachcheri — a public meeting convened by the DS where eligible persons are selected for available state land plots. Selections are made by the DS in the presence of applicants.
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If selected, the Grama Niladhari will inspect your plot and submit a report to the DS confirming your occupancy and development of the land.
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The permit is issued by the DS under Section 19 of the Land Development Ordinance. A survey plan is prepared and the permit is registered at the Land Registry.
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Renew your permit annually only if the land is granted for commercial purposes at this office by paying the nominal annual fee. Non-renewal or failure to develop the land can result in cancellation.
- Sri Lankan citizen — state land can only be alienated to citizens
- Written request letter addressed to the Divisional Secretary
- NIC of applicant
- Grama Niladhari certificate confirming residency and landlessness
- Affidavit declaring that you own less than 50 acres of land
- Belongs to an eligible class: low-income, landless, farmer, or educated youth
LDO permits are issued for both residential and agricultural purposes. Conditions require you to occupy and develop the land — a permit can be cancelled for non-compliance with conditions, abandonment, or failure to pay the annual fee. Permit land is protected from court seizure (Section 39, LDO), but cannot be leased or mortgaged except with DS approval.
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Submit a written request to your Grama Niladhari stating you wish to convert your LDO permit to a grant. The GN inspects the land and sends a report to the DS confirming development.
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The Land Officer / Colonisation Officer also inspects and certifies to the DS that the land has been properly developed.
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The DS has the land surveyed by the Survey Department, boundary stones are placed, and an official survey plan is obtained.
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The DS prepares the grant and sends it to the Land Commissioner General through the Provincial Land Commissioner for verification.
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The Land Commissioner General forwards it to the Presidential Secretariat for signature by the President of Sri Lanka.
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After signature, the DS collects the grant, you pay a service charge of Rs. 100, the grant is registered at the Land Registry, and handed to you. Keep the original safely.
- You hold a valid LDO permit for the land
- The land is well developed — if residential, a house must be built and you must live there
- All payments due to the state are fully settled
- Original LDO permit (to submit to DS)
- NIC of permit holder
- Folio sheet from the relevant Land Registry (DS obtains this)
Even with a grant, you can only transfer the land to a spouse, children, or blood relatives, or — with DS and Land Commissioner approval — to a person of farmer class. Transferring without DS prior approval makes the transaction invalid. You can subdivide and give portions to your children, subject to the minimum plot size restrictions in your grant.
A grant gives you permanent, full legal title — it cannot be cancelled like a permit. You can use it as collateral for a bank loan (with DS approval), as surety in court, and to subdivide and give portions to your children. To use the grant as mortgage security, bring the original grant and a letter from your lending institution to the DS for prior approval.
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Obtain Form LC 155 from the Land Branch at this office. This is free of charge.
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Complete the form in triplicate. Affix three Rs. 25 stamps (one on each copy). The form can be certified here at the DS office free of charge — no need to go to a Notary Public or JP.
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The three completed forms are forwarded to the Registrar of Lands of the relevant district. The registration is done at the Land Registry, and one certified copy is returned to you.
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To change your nominee, simply obtain new Form LC 155 forms and repeat the process. The new registration automatically cancels the previous one.
If you die without a registered nomination, the LDO's Third Schedule applies:
- Surviving spouse — first right to succeed; inherits life interest (not full ownership unless nominated)
- After spouse's death — passes to the next nominated successor or occupiers of the land (earlier to the eldest son in the case when a successor was not nominated which is no longer valid)
- Heirs must apply to the DS within 6 months of the permit holder's death
- If there is a dispute between equally entitled persons, the DS decides
Do this today. Without a registered nomination, the law applies its own order of succession — which may not match your wishes. A nomination can be changed at any time during your life, and it is completely free to certify at this office. The nomination is only valid if registered before the permit holder's or owner's death — it cannot be done retrospectively.
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Annual Permit (Crown Land Ordinance) — for short-term agricultural or residential use of state land. Issued annually by the DS on payment of a fee. Apply by written request to this office.
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Long-term Lease (30 years) — for commercial, industrial, special projects, or religious institutions. The initial request is submitted to the DS, who forwards it through the District Secretariat to the Land Commissioner General for approval.
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The President may also grant or lease state land at nominal rent for charitable, educational, scientific, or religious purposes. Such applications are also initiated through this office.
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Long-term leases can be transferred and mortgaged with prior approval of the Land Commissioner — unlike LDO permits.
- Written request addressed to the Divisional Secretary
- Purpose of use clearly stated
- Sketch or survey plan of the requested land
- GN certificate confirming applicant's details and residence
- NIC of applicant
- For institutions: registration documents of the organisation
State land requested for leasing must be confirmed as available — the DS verifies that the land is indeed state land and is not currently under any permit or other allocation. Long-term lease approvals travel from this office through the District Secretariat, the WP Land Ministry, and the Land Commissioner General's Department before a lease certificate is issued.
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The DS has authority under the State Lands (Recovery of Possession) Ordinance to issue notice to a person occupying state land without a permit.
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An inquiry is held before the Magistrate if the occupant refuse to vacate. The burden of proof is on the occupant to show they have a lawful right to the land.
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If no lawful title is shown, a recovery order is issued and the occupant must vacate. Any structures may be demolished at the occupant's expense.
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If a neighbour is encroaching on your permit or grant land, submit a written complaint to the DS with a sketch plan. The DS can take action under the LDO against trespassers on permit land.
- You cannot claim prescription against state land — living on it for years, even decades, gives you no legal right
- All waste, forest, unoccupied and uncultivated land is presumed to be state land under the State Lands Encroachments Ordinance until the contrary is proved
- The previous regularisation of encroachments programme has been cancelled — there is currently no scheme to legalise encroachments
- Constructing on state land without a permit can result in eviction and demolition of structures
- Encroachment complaints: submit in writing to the DS with a sketch plan and GN report
Commencing any construction or cultivation on state land without a valid permit is illegal under the State Lands Encroachments Ordinance and may result in eviction, demolition of structures, and legal penalties. If you are unsure whether land is state land or private, contact the Land Branch at this office before building anything.
Most private land matters are handled outside this office. Below is a guide to the right institution for each type of query.
- Buying / selling private land — handled by a Notary Public. Deed must be registered at the Land Registry of your district to be legally valid.
- Registering a deed / searching ownership — Registrar General's Department or Land Registry, Matara District.
- Official survey and boundary disputes — Survey Department for cadastral plans; disputes resolved in civil courts.
- Land settlement / proving ownership of ancestral land — Department of Land Settlement.
- Valuation for tax / stamp duty — Valuation Department.
- Compulsory land acquisition by government — published in the Government Gazette and handled by the Ministry of Land.
- Prescription claims (10-year adverse possession) — filed in the District Court of Matara. This does NOT apply to state land.
- Land Registry, Matara — deed registration and title searches
- Survey Department, Matara — official survey plans and boundary disputes
- Matara District Secretariat — district-level land matters and approvals
- Department of Land Settlement — landsettledept.gov.lk
- Land Commissioner General's Dept — landcom.gov.lk
- Survey Department — survey.gov.lk
A valid private land deed must be executed before a licensed Notary Public in the presence of two witnesses, then registered at the Land Registry within 3 months. Unregistered deeds are not legally enforceable against third parties. If you are unsure about the nature of your land (state or private), check with the Grama Niladhari and the Land Branch at this office before proceeding.
Speak to the Land Division
Come to the counter or call ahead. Bring your permit or grant and your NIC to speed up any inquiry.
Permits & Licenses
Timber, Sand, Coastal, Trade & Excise — official authorizations
▶ General Application Process
Most permits take 3–7 working days from submission to issuance. Permits involving protected species or commercial-scale activities may take longer due to Forest Department involvement. Always apply before commencing any activity — operating without a valid permit is a criminal offence under the Forest Ordinance.
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Submit a written request with land ownership details to the Subject Officer at Welipitiya DS.
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Obtain Grama Niladhari recommendation confirming you are the land owner and identifying the tree(s).
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A field inspection is carried out by the Subject Officer to verify tree species, count, and location.
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Pay the permit fee at the Shroff counter. Regulated species require a Forest Officer report before payment.
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DS issues the permit with an official timber stamp. Two copies go to the Grama Niladhari. One copy stays with you during transport.
- Written request letter to the Divisional Secretary
- Land deed (certified copy) proving ownership
- Grama Niladhari recommendation letter
- If land is jointly owned: written consent of all co-owners certified by the GN
- If applicant is not the owner: cash receipt of timber purchase signed on a Rs. 10 stamp
- If construction is planned: building plan showing trees to be removed
- For Pradeshiya Sabha area: letter from PS/Urban Council if trees pose a danger
- NIC of applicant
Felling or transporting timber without a valid permit is an offence under the Forest Ordinance and can result in confiscation of timber and vehicles, fines, or imprisonment. For protected species (Jackfruit / Kos, Halmilla, Kaluwara, Milla, Kohomba, Palu, Mee, Kumbuk, Burutha, Kalumediriya, Velan, Hulanhik, Gammalu, Suriyamara, Panakka, Palm trees, Female Palmyrah), a Forest Officer's field report is mandatory and processing time is longer.
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Submit a written request stating the purpose, volume, and location of extraction.
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Obtain Grama Niladhari recommendation for the site.
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For commercial extraction: submit an environmental impact report from a relevant authority.
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Subject Officer conducts a field experiment / site inspection.
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DS issues recommendation. Pay the permit fee plus royalty at Shroff counter.
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Permit issued. The vehicle registration certificate of the transport vehicle must accompany the permit during transport.
- Written request specifying location, type, and purpose
- Grama Niladhari recommendation for extraction site
- Land deed or evidence of right to extract
- Vehicle Registration Certificate of transport vehicle(s)
- Commercial extraction: Environmental report
- NIC of applicant
Extraction permits are issued separately for commercial and non-commercial purposes. Commercial permits require an environmental report and attract higher royalties. Transport without a permit is an offence even if the material was legally extracted.
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Submit an application to the Subject Officer at Welipitiya DS with business premises details.
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A field inspection of the business premises is carried out to verify location and activity.
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Recommendations are obtained from the relevant officers. Ensure business is not an offender under the Forest Ordinance.
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Pay the license fee of Rs. 1,000 and a deposit of Rs. 100,000 plus registration charge of Rs. 25,000 at the Shroff counter.
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License issued annually — must be renewed each year.
- Completed application form from Subject Officer
- Proof of business premises (deed or lease agreement)
- Premises must be beyond minimum distance from any forest boundary (varies by local authority area)
- Declaration that applicant is not an offender under the Forest Ordinance
- NIC of applicant / business owner
- Previous year's license (for renewals)
This license covers sawmills, furniture workshops, carpentry sheds, and timber storage yards. All registered businesses must maintain a timber stock register and are subject to inspection by the Forest Department at any time.
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Submit the application to the Subject Officer. The project must be consistent with the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP).
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Obtain Grama Niladhari recommendation for the site.
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Subject Officer conducts a field inspection to verify setback compliance and project scope.
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For minor construction (<1,000 sq. ft.): DS issues approval. Larger projects are referred to the Coast Conservation Department (CCD) directly.
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Construction must not commence until the written permit is received.
- Written request with site plan and purpose
- Land deed (certified copy)
- Grama Niladhari recommendation
- Site / building plan showing dimensions and setback from HWL
- NIC of applicant
The Coast Conservation Act prohibits development within the coastal zone without a permit. Setback rules apply — typically a minimum of 30 metres from the high waterline for most areas. Sand mining from coastal areas is also prohibited except in areas specifically designated by the CCD. Visit coastal.gov.lk or apply online via e-Permit for larger projects.
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Obtain the application form from the Assistant Commissioner of Excise (not from this office) by paying a Rs. 7,500 non-refundable application fee.
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Submit the completed application with all supporting documents to the Excise Officer in Charge of your area.
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Application is reviewed by the Excise Inspector, OIC, Superintendent, and Assistant Commissioner. Zoning compliance and police reports are verified.
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If approved, the Excise Department forwards an order to this office instructing the Divisional Secretary to issue the license.
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Pay the prescribed license fee at the Shroff counter. The Divisional Secretary then issues the Excise license.
- Approval letter from the Commissioner of Excise
- Clearance certificate from the Assistant Excise Commissioner General
- Clearance certificate from the Inland Revenue Commissioner and Provincial Revenue Commissioner
- Police clearance report for the premises
- Previous year's license (for renewal)
- NIC of licensee
The Divisional Secretary issues the license but does not initiate the process — the entire approval chain goes through the Excise Department. For new applications, renewals, or queries about license types (FL1 through FL22), contact the Department of Excise directly at excise.gov.lk or call 011 204 5000.
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Submit Schedule 02 application form to the Subject Officer at this office.
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Obtain a Grama Niladhari recommendation confirming ownership of the animal(s).
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Obtain a veterinary certificate confirming the animal is healthy and fit for transport.
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Pay Rs. 50 per animal at the Shroff counter.
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Permit issued. The vehicle registration certificate of the transport vehicle must accompany the permit.
- Schedule 02 application form
- Grama Niladhari recommendation confirming ownership
- Veterinary certificate for each animal
- Vehicle Registration Certificate of transport vehicle
- NIC of applicant
Need Help with Your Application?
Contact the Subject Officer at the DS Office. Come prepared with your documents to speed up processing.













