Sri Lanka, Oct. 19 -- Sri Lanka aims to increase the share of land allocated for industrial development from the current 0.03% to at least 1% by 2030, Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti said.

He made these remarks at the Presidential Environment Awards Ceremony 2026, highlighting land constraints as a major challenge facing industrialists and the need to balance industrial development with environmental conservation.

The Minister said many industrialists faced difficulties in obtaining adequate land to expand their businesses and adopt better environmental practices.

He also highlighted challenges in securing essential raw materials, including sand, stone, gravel and clay, for legally...