Sri Lanka has announced plans to offer long-term leases on 247 hectares of underutilized state plantation land to returning migrant workers and young entrepreneurs who send foreign currency back to the nation, according to Minister Nalinda Jayatissa.
The land in question is owned by three state plantation organizations. Specifically, 117 hectares will be allocated from the Sri Lanka State Plantations Corporation, 88 hectares from the Janatha Estates Development Board, and 42 hectares from Elkaduwa Plantations Limited.
This initiative is designed to encourage the reinvestment of foreign earnings into the country’s economy. Jayatissa stated that land parcels will be available in sizes ranging from 1 to 4 hectares for chosen applicants, who must be no older than 50 years.
“The government has approved a program to lease underutilized land on a long-term basis, aimed at enabling young entrepreneurs who have sent remittances to invest in the plantation sector,” Jayatissa explained.
Priority for land allocation will be given to individuals who have spent at least three years working abroad within the last decade or those currently employed overseas for more than three years. Potential investment areas include agriculture, plantation tourism, livestock, renewable energy sources such as hydroelectricity and solar power, manufacturing, freshwater fisheries, and innovative economic ventures.
Jayatissa emphasized that the initiative is geared towards small investors rather than large-scale corporate acquisitions. “The main goal is to provide a structured opportunity for Sri Lankans who have worked abroad and sent remittances to invest their earnings back into the country,” he noted.
The minister added that the size of individual land allocations is intentionally limited to prevent unrestricted distribution, ensuring that returning workers from countries such as Korea, the Middle East, and Europe can effectively contribute to the local economy.
