INVESTORS CORNER

The investors corner was designed by the CEA in order to assist investors.  This section is designed to give you an idea of the regulatory requirements of the CEA for new projects.  There are three main types of approvals given by the CEA namely;

Usually large scale infrastructure and industrial projects as well as other types of projects above a certain magnitude which consist of forest clearance, timber felling, mining, filling up of low lying lands and land clearance require an Initial Environmental Examination (IEE) or Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) prior to implementation.

Projects which are below the magnitude for which IEE or EIA is mandated are required to obtain an Environmental Recommendation (Site Clearance) from the CEA.

Industries which discharge waste water, air emissions, noise or vibration are required to obtain an Environmental Protection Licence (EPL). Industries which generate Hazardous Waste are required to obtain an additional permit from the Central Environmental Authority.

The CEA has now set up Provincial and District Offices in Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Kegalle, Galle, Hambantota, Kantalai, Ampara, Badulla, Jaffna, Anuradhapura ,Baticaloa and N’ Eliya.  You may handover your application at these offices or to the CEA Headquarters in Battaramulla, according to your convenience.

Most frequently asked questions about these three procedures are given below. In case you have any doubts regarding any of these procedures you may call the Central Environmental Authority for any clarification.

In order for a prescribed industrial activity to commence operations it is required to obtain an Environmental Protection Licence (EPL).  An EPL for an industry authorizes the discharge of waste water, air emissions, noise and vibration according to stipulated standards.  Industries are categorized into three groups A, B and C.  A and B category industries are required to obtain the EPL from the Central Environmental Authority while C category industries may obtain it from the respective Local Authority.

Environmental Recommendation(site clearance) – for medium and small scale industries and projects which do not require IEE or EIA.

Industrial projects which do not require IEE or EIA still require to obtain an Environmental Recommendation (site clearance) from the Central Environmental Authority.  Other types of projects such as hotels, gem mining projects, sand mining, land clearing, telecommunication towers, also require such an approval.  Please see below for frequently asked questions on Environmental Recommendations.