The Urban Development and Housing Ministry launched a ‘One Stop Unit’ on Wednesday to provide all approvals for development activities at one place and accelerate the issuance of permits for them.
The Unit is located at the Ministry premises in Sethsiripaya, Battaramulla. Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said under the new procedure a development permit could be obtained within 10 to 21 days.
The ‘One Stop Unit’ connects 26 relevant institutions, through an online software, to process the applications for development permits. The online submission of applications is also allowed to make it further convenient. The applicant can trace the progress of his or her application through the same system.
Obtaining the relevant approvals for a Development Permit takes about a year under the normal system. This undue delay deters investors who come to the country. An online application system was introduced to minimize the delay in 2017, but it did not solve the entire problem. The One Stop Unit was launched to overcome the prevailing shortcomings and attract more investors.
The Unit is implemented under three phases, and the first phase has been implemented in the Colombo District as a pilot project. Phase two will be launched in July, next year and Phase three in July, 2024.
The Ministry hopes that the One Stop Unit will help improve Sri Lanka’s rank in the Doing Business Index.
Further information on the Unit can be obtained from ‘www.osu.uda.lk’ or by contacting 011-3883251/011-2874585 or 071-2076177 (WhatsApp).
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