Unit for National Investment in Tourism (UNIT)

The One Stop Unit – Unit for National Investment in Tourism (UNIT) is a centralized promotion and facilitation centre established to assist potential tourism investors interested in investing in Sri Lanka Tourism Industry. UNIT is a one-stop location and point of contact for investors seeking information on the tourism industry. Specialist staff from various government agencies help investors identify feasible projects, obtain information regarding potential investments, submit applications, and provide support in obtaining investment promotion privileges, trade licenses and other approvals requested for project clearance. UNIT prevents the need for investors to spend time in search of answers and ensures all queries are handled by its specialist staff. Furthermore, UNIT reduces the time taken on receiving approval from various government agencies and does the coordinating on behalf of the investor.

Objectives

Given that time is precious and costly, Sri Lanka Tourism set up the One Stop Unit (OSU) in a bid to promote and draw tourism related investment of more than USD1 million.

Key objectives cited are as follows;

• Present a stress free, convenient approach to investors keen on investing in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry

• Coalesce relevant information for all types of tourism related investments and ensure interested parties have easy access either through meetings, telephone, email or teleconference (skype)

• Provide and educate interested parties on existing investment opportunities, lands available, projects commenced and tourism needs

• Supply feasibility studies and other analyses for potential investments within a short time frame

• Expedite the approval process by centralising functions of relevant line agencies, reduce the time frame by at least 50%

UNIT Services

Services available prior to investment:

• Information on potential tourist investments

• Help with investment promotion and gathering of information

• Provision of a directory of land available

• Help in finding similar entrepreneurs for investors interested in joint ventures

• Help in completing application form

• Organisation of site inspection

• Representation of the investor at meetings

• Fast-track obtainment of the project clearance permit

Services available during the investment:

• Fast-track the approval from government agencies

• Coordinating of building plan approvals required for investment

• Coordinating Board of investment incentive schemes granting final approval

Services available after the final clearance for construction:

• Help with staffing needs and the setting up of an office

• Recommendation for Visa’s

• Monitor construction progress and facilitation on construction

• Provide solutions should operational issues arise