Improving of land acquisition procedure in major construction projects

Abstract

With the view of wining the global economic race and achieving inspiration of the nation, Sri Lanka is undergoing several number of major construction projects all over the country. It is one of the key ways of investment process that leads towards growth of economic of the country consequently. Thus, the completion of the construction phase in time, is important to commence the next scheduled process of the chain. This phase of development requires the government to use private lands for development projects in addition to the use of state lands. It is the responsibility of the government to acquire the private land as appropriate as well as recognize and emphasize the need to secure the rights of persons who have been acquired private land restore their live hood and resettlement. It is necessary that all the parties such as acquiring officers, project development officers, affected persons gain a comprehensive knowledge on the legal process of acquisition of private lands, particularly methodologies for valuation of acquired properties, determination of entitlements for compensation, compensation payment procedures, of LARC and super LARC procedures as it would facilitate a smooth implementation of the entire process. It would further help facilitate their participation in the development process in effective and efficient. As development is ultimately intended for the wellbeing of the people, it should be implemented with least inconvenience to the people so that development projects can win the support and confidence assuring sustainable development. Land acquisition is one of the main components having considerable impact for these development projects. The land value has gone up compared to few decade bake and people are keen on their lands now. Hence, it is much difficult to handle land matters relevant to development matters. The original schedule of the Colombo – Katunayaka express way project was delayed for more than ten years and the government had to compensate huge amount of money to the duly awarded contractor as the land acquisition matter could not attended as scheduled. During this research, the topic is studied in two main aspects that ;Technical issues and Safeguard issues. The main organizations involved in the land acquisition process such as Divisional secretariats, Department of Valuation, Department of Surveying, Printing corporation, Ministry of lands, Ministry of public Administration, were closely considered during the research. Although the developments projects were delayed due to delay in Land Acquisition it has not recognized/highlighted or count the real reason. Hence, studying and evaluating of the ways and means of smooth and efficient Land Acquisition process which get benefit each stakeholder for better future of the country.