Permits & Licenses
Timber, Sand, Coastal, Trade & Excise — official permits and authorizations issued by this office
▶ General Application Process
Most permits take 3–7 working days from submission to issuance. Applications involving protected species or commercial-scale activities may take longer due to Forest Department coordination. Always apply before commencing any activity — operating without a valid permit is a criminal offence under the Forest Ordinance.
- 1
Submit a written request with land ownership details to the Subject Officer at Mulatiyana DS.
- 2
Obtain Grama Niladhari recommendation confirming you are the land owner and identifying the tree(s).
- 3
A field inspection is carried out by the Subject Officer to verify tree species, count, and location.
- 4
Pay the permit fee at the Shroff counter. Regulated species require a Forest Officer report before payment.
- 5
DS issues the permit with an official timber stamp. Two copies go to the Grama Niladhari. One copy stays with you during transport.
- Written request letter to the Divisional Secretary
- Land deed (certified copy) proving ownership
- Grama Niladhari recommendation letter
- If land is jointly owned: written consent of all co-owners certified by the GN
- If applicant is not the owner: cash receipt of timber purchase signed on a Rs. 10 stamp
- If construction is planned: building plan showing trees to be removed
- For Pradeshiya Sabha area: letter from PS/Urban Council if trees pose a danger
- NIC of applicant
Felling or transporting timber without a valid permit is an offence under the Forest Ordinance and can result in confiscation of timber and vehicles, fines, or imprisonment. For protected species (Jackfruit / Kos, Halmilla, Kaluwara, Milla, Kohomba, Palu, Mee, Kumbuk, Burutha, Kalumediriya, Velan, Hulanhik, Gammalu, Suriyamara, Panakka, Palm trees, Female Palmyrah), a Forest Officer's field report is mandatory and processing time is longer.
- 1
Submit a written request stating the purpose, volume, and location of extraction.
- 2
Obtain Grama Niladhari recommendation for the site.
- 3
For commercial extraction: submit an environmental impact report from a relevant authority.
- 4
Subject Officer conducts a field experiment / site inspection.
- 5
DS issues recommendation. Pay the permit fee plus royalty at Shroff counter.
- 6
Permit issued. The vehicle registration certificate of the transport vehicle must accompany the permit during transport.
- Written request specifying location, type, and purpose
- Grama Niladhari recommendation for extraction site
- Land deed or evidence of right to extract
- Vehicle Registration Certificate of transport vehicle(s)
- Commercial extraction: Environmental report
- NIC of applicant
Extraction permits are issued separately for commercial and non-commercial purposes. Commercial permits require an environmental report and attract higher royalties. Transport without a permit is an offence even if the material was legally extracted.
- 1
Submit an application to the Subject Officer at Mulatiyana DS with business premises details.
- 2
A field inspection of the business premises is carried out to verify location and activity.
- 3
Recommendations are obtained from the relevant officers. Ensure business is not an offender under the Forest Ordinance.
- 4
Pay the license fee of Rs. 1,000 and a deposit of Rs. 100,000 plus registration charge of Rs. 25,000 at the Shroff counter.
- 5
License issued annually — must be renewed each year.
- Completed application form from Subject Officer
- Proof of business premises (deed or lease agreement)
- Premises must be beyond minimum distance from any forest boundary (varies by local authority area)
- Declaration that applicant is not an offender under the Forest Ordinance
- NIC of applicant / business owner
- Previous year's license (for renewals)
This license covers sawmills, furniture workshops, carpentry sheds, and timber storage yards. All registered businesses must maintain a timber stock register and are subject to inspection by the Forest Department at any time.
- 1
Submit the application to the Subject Officer. The project must be consistent with the Coastal Zone Management Plan (CZMP).
- 2
Obtain Grama Niladhari recommendation for the site.
- 3
Subject Officer conducts a field inspection to verify setback compliance and project scope.
- 4
For minor construction (<1,000 sq. ft.): DS issues approval. Larger projects are referred to the Coast Conservation Department (CCD) directly.
- 5
Construction must not commence until the written permit is received.
- Written request with site plan and purpose
- Land deed (certified copy)
- Grama Niladhari recommendation
- Site / building plan showing dimensions and setback from HWL
- NIC of applicant
The Coast Conservation Act prohibits development within the coastal zone without a permit. Setback rules apply — typically a minimum of 30 metres from the high waterline for most areas. Sand mining from coastal areas is also prohibited except in areas specifically designated by the CCD. Visit coastal.gov.lk or apply online via e-Permit for larger projects.
- 1
Obtain the application form from the Assistant Commissioner of Excise (not from this office) by paying a Rs. 7,500 non-refundable application fee.
- 2
Submit the completed application with all supporting documents to the Excise Officer in Charge of your area.
- 3
Application is reviewed by the Excise Inspector, OIC, Superintendent, and Assistant Commissioner. Zoning compliance and police reports are verified.
- 4
If approved, the Excise Department forwards an order to this office instructing the Divisional Secretary to issue the license.
- 5
Pay the prescribed license fee at the Shroff counter. The Divisional Secretary then issues the Excise license.
- Approval letter from the Commissioner of Excise
- Clearance certificate from the Assistant Excise Commissioner General
- Clearance certificate from the Inland Revenue Commissioner and Provincial Revenue Commissioner
- Police clearance report for the premises
- Previous year's license (for renewal)
- NIC of licensee
The Divisional Secretary issues the license but does not initiate the process — the entire approval chain goes through the Excise Department. For new applications, renewals, or queries about license types (FL1 through FL22), contact the Department of Excise directly at excise.gov.lk or call 011 204 5000.
- 1
Submit Schedule 02 application form to the Subject Officer at this office.
- 2
Obtain a Grama Niladhari recommendation confirming ownership of the animal(s).
- 3
Obtain a veterinary certificate confirming the animal is healthy and fit for transport.
- 4
Pay Rs. 50 per animal at the Shroff counter.
- 5
Permit issued. The vehicle registration certificate of the transport vehicle must accompany the permit.
- Schedule 02 application form
- Grama Niladhari recommendation confirming ownership
- Veterinary certificate for each animal
- Vehicle Registration Certificate of transport vehicle
- NIC of applicant
Need Assistance with Your Application?
Visit the Subject Officer at the Mulatiyana DS Office. Bringing all required documents will help speed up your processing.
