Dear readers, here is an answer we provided to one of the Sri Lankan expatriates living in Canada. He asked us the following question.
I am planning to buy a farm land in Sri Lanka. I have checked few lands advertized. I will be coming to Sri Lanka soon to see few selected lands. I will be thankful if you can help me with the following two queries.
Sam Jay – Toronto via Ask a Question Form
- What are the important factors to consider when evaluating a farm land in Sri Lanka as an expatriate.
- What are some things to keep in mind when making the purchase?
I first thank all the Sri Lankan expatriates who are coming forward to invest in Sri Lanka during this difficult time. As a Sri Lankan expatriate buying a farm here in Sri Lanka can be a great investment opportunity. With the current economic crisis, it is an ideal time to invest in Sri Lanka. Not only will it help to boost the economy, but you may also be able to find a fair price for a piece of land. However, it is important to keep in mind that Sri Lankan farmlands may not have all the facilities and development that you would see in a farm in the west.
When it comes to location, you will want to consider the climate and proximity to markets. Access to water is also crucial for irrigation. Keep in mind that Sri Lanka is prone to natural disasters such as floods and droughts, so it is important to consider the potential impact of these events on your farm. Further, threats from animals like Elephants, Monkeys, and Peacocks are prominent in some parts of the country. Also, you should consider the intended project in these lands since Sri Lanka has different climates and soil quality in different parts of the country.
Soil quality is an important factor to consider even in an area where farming is done. The quality of the soil will determine the types of crops that can be grown and the potential yield. Some lands may have large rocks. Steep lands may not be ideal for most crops since the soil can be easily eroded.
Even in Sri Lanka, it is important to look into government regulations. Generally, there are no restrictions on crop farming in Sri Lanka. However, be vigilant and check the land that you are going to buy zone for agricultural use and that there are no restrictions on the types of crops that can be grown.
Water access is also crucial for irrigation. Farming lands in dry zones need to have access to water from reservoirs. In any area make sure there is enough water to sustain your farming operations, either from a well, river, or lake. Water drainage is also important to prevent water logging and erosion. And in areas like Rathnapura and Kalutara, it is very important to find out whether the land goes underwater (floods) during the rainy season.
Infrastructure is also important to consider if you are going to operate your agricultural business on a large scale. Further, you may manage the land while living overseas. Examine the existing infrastructure on the farm, such as barns, sheds, well, and fencing (in some area elephant fence). Access to electricity and the internet is also important to consider in your case as they are vital for running modern farming operations. However, you may find that the infrastructure in Sri Lanka may not be as advanced as in other countries.
Access to labour and services is also important. Check the accessibility of labour and services such as inputs, equipment, and transportation. Since the fuel price has gone up drastically during the recession, it is important to check the public transport facility on the access roads. labour is relatively expensive in remote areas compared to Colombo and its suburbs, but can be challenging to find skilled workers.
After all, you do this investment with an aim of generating some income. Hence, financial viability is important to consider. Consider the potential income and expenses associated with the farm. make sure to research the prices of different crops and the demand for them in the local market, or facilities to export.
It is important to pay attention to the land deeds. In Sri Lanka, there are three main types of land deeds: Sinnakkara (the crown Grant), (Jaya bhumi) the Patta, and (Pawarum oppu) the Leasehold.
It is important to check the authenticity of the land deeds before purchasing any land. You can do this by visiting the Divisional Secretariat or the Land Registry Office in the area where the land is located, and verifying the land deeds with them. It is also important to hire a lawyer who can assist in the process of verifying the authenticity of the land deeds and checking for any encumbrances on the land.
Lastly, environmental considerations are also important. Look for any environmental hazards or conditions that may affect the farm’s operation. Sri Lanka has a relatively high level of biodiversity, so it is important to consider the potential impact of the farming operation on the environment. There can be some resistant from the people in the community if you use the land in a way that interfere with their life style. Hence, it is important to consider this aspect.
Investing in a farm or land for cultivation in Sri Lanka at this time can be a smart move for expatriates. Not only will it help to boost the economy, but with the current economic crisis, it may also be possible to find a fair price for a piece of land. WIth the current situation, it will be a great idea to invest in Sri Lanka. However, it is important to keep in mind that Sri Lankan farm lands may not have all the facilities and development that you would see ina farm in the West. If you are buying the land for cultivation you will have to build the necessary infrastructure and introduce the advance technology.
We can help you to acquire a land for commercial purpose.
We have a team working with Lanka Help who can help you to find a land in Sri Lanka for commercial or agricultural use. Please do not hesitate to send your queries through our contact form.
