In Sri Lanka, the Survey Department is involved with administration of land, mapping, and geographic information throughout the nation. Being one of the oldest departments of the government of Sri Lanka, it offers fundamental services to the nation, government organizations, and the private sector in an endeavor that makes sure of the existence of accurate geospatial data to be used in national planning and development.
In the following section we will discuss the background of the department, core functions of the department, contact information, online services, map and GIS services, and some of the frequently asked questions.
Survey Department of Sri Lanka
The Survey Department of Sri Lanka, now known as the Survey Department of Sri Lanka, is one of the oldest surveying agencies in the world, as it was established in 1800. It operates within the Ministry of Lands and is tasked with surveying, mapping, and management of geospatial data and national geospatial data infrastructure.
Its mission is to deliver credible geospatial data and services in order to facilitate sustainable growth, land management, and citizen policy. As technology has shifted towards digitalization, many of the services offered in the department have been brought down online to make them easily accessible to both the citizens and the people working professionally in the department.
It has an array of clients, like government institutions, which require updated maps, or individual landowners, who request a land survey; the Survey Department is the authority contacted in Sri Lanka.
Overview and Contact Information
| Headquarters | Colombo |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Sri Lanka |
| Address | No. 150, Bernad Soysa Road, Narahenpita, Colombo 05, Sri Lanka |
| Telephone | +94 11 236 9011 |
| sg@survey.gov.lk | |
| Website | survey.gov.lk |
| YouTube | youtube.com/@surveydepartmentofsrilanka |
| Important Links | |
| Map showing Forest, Wildlife, Coast Conservation, and Other Reserves | Click Here |
| Sinhala to Romanized Translator | Click Here |
| Land Grant Survey Info | Click Here |
Survey Department of Sri Lanka Applications
| Application for Survey Plan | Download PDF |
| Circuit Bungalows Booking Form | Download PDF |
| Cadastral Survey Plan Application (Only for Colombo District) | Download PDF |
| Primary Data Collection Form for HuRIMS | Download PDF |
Key Responsibilities of the Survey Department
The Survey Department’s scope of work is wide-ranging and includes technical, administrative, and digital functions. Its core responsibilities are
1. Cadastral Surveys
- Conducting boundary surveys for land ownership and legal documentation.
- Supporting land titling programs such as the Bim Saviya (Title Registration Program).
2. Topographic Mapping
- Producing topographic maps of the country at various scales for use by the public and government.
3. Geodetic Surveys
- Establishing and maintaining the national geodetic control network using GPS and other modern technologies.
4. Preparation of Thematic Maps
- Creating maps for planning, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.
5. Digital Mapping and GIS
- Providing Geographic Information System (GIS) data to support development, infrastructure planning, and academic research.
6. Surveying for Government Institutions
- Supporting ministries, municipalities, and development projects with surveying services.
7. Map Printing and Sales
- Selling printed and digital maps through the department’s head office and regional offices.
8. Boundary Demarcation
- Demarcating administrative boundaries such as divisional secretariat areas, provinces, and electoral districts.
E-Services Offered by the Survey Department
In recent years, the department has introduced several e-services to make information and applications more accessible to the public.
1. Survey Plan Search
You can search and request copies of old survey plans and maps through their digital portal:
- Visit: www.survey.gov.lk
- Navigate to the “e-Services” section
2. Online Map Store
Through the department’s online portal, users can:
- Browse available digital maps
- Download topographic maps
- Purchase thematic or cadastral maps
3. Geospatial Portals
The department provides access to:
- Geoportal: For viewing various GIS layers and maps online
- Web GIS Services: For integration with other geospatial systems
4. Publications & Downloads
- Access to annual reports, technical papers, gazettes, and other survey-related documentation.
These services aim to reduce in-person visits and streamline land-related documentation and map usage.
Maps and Geographic Information Services
Mapping is at the heart of the Survey Department’s function. Here are the key types of maps and GIS services provided:
Topographic Maps
- Available in multiple scales (1:50,000, 1:10,000, etc.)
- Useful for planning, environmental studies, and navigation
Cadastral Maps
- Maps of individual plots with boundary details
- Essential for property transfers and court matters
Thematic Maps
- Covering themes such as population, rainfall, elevation, and land use
- Frequently used by researchers, planners, and students
Digital Elevation Models (DEMs)
- 3D representations of terrain elevation
- Useful for construction, hydrology, and disaster risk analysis
GIS Data Layers
- Layers such as roads, rivers, administrative boundaries, land parcels
- Provided in formats compatible with ArcGIS, QGIS, and other platforms
Who Can Use Survey Department Services?
Survey Department services are used by a variety of sectors and individuals, including
- General public for land-related matters
- Lawyers & notaries for deeds and land titles
- Government ministries for infrastructure development
- University students and researchers for GIS and mapping projects
- Construction and real estate companies
- Environmental organizations for spatial analysis
How to Apply for a Land Survey in Sri Lanka?
To request a land survey:
- Contact the Government Surveyor via the local Divisional Secretariat.
- Fill out the relevant application form provided by the Survey Department or DS office.
- Pay the prescribed survey fees.
- A government-appointed licensed surveyor will conduct the ground survey.
- You will receive the survey plan that can be used for title registration, deed preparation, or court use.
Survey Department Circuit Bungalows in Sri Lanka
The Survey Department of Sri Lanka manages a number of circuit bungalows located across the island. These bungalows are mainly intended to accommodate departmental staff on official duty but may also be available to other government officers or researchers with prior approval.
Purpose of Circuit Bungalows
- Provide accommodation for Survey Department officers traveling for field surveys or official duties.
- Enable inter-agency collaboration during mapping or development projects.
- In some cases, accommodate academics or government officials working on land, GIS, or infrastructure-related tasks.
Locations
While the full list is available through the department or internal circulars, common locations include:
- Nuwara Eliya
- Anuradhapura
- Badulla
- Galle
- Matale
- Monaragala
- Jaffna
Note: Availability and booking procedures may vary based on the region and purpose of visit.
Facilities
Most bungalows are equipped with:
- Basic bedrooms and bathrooms
- Kitchen facilities or cook availability
- Clean water and electricity
- Quiet and secure premises ideal for field staff
These bungalows are not luxury accommodations but are considered cost-effective, safe, and strategically located near survey zones and land registries.
How to Book
- Contact the Head Office of the Survey Department or the relevant Provincial Survey Office.
- Submit a request letter or email, stating:
- Purpose of visit
- Dates of stay
- Number of people
- Await approval from the director or assistant surveyor general in charge of bungalows.
Some locations may require an official travel ID or department letter for confirmation.
FAQs about the Survey Department of Sri Lanka
01. What is the role of the Surveyor General?
The Surveyor General is the head of the department, responsible for overseeing surveying and mapping nationwide.
02. Can I get an old survey plan of my land?
Yes. Visit the department or its website and search the archives using your plan number or land details.
03. Are GIS services available to the public?
Yes, selected GIS data and map layers are publicly accessible through their Geoportal. Additional data may require a request.
04. Is there a mobile app for accessing maps?
Currently, most services are web-based. A mobile app is under consideration for future release.
05. What languages are services available in?
Services and publications are available in Sinhala, Tamil, and English.
Final Thoughts
The survey division is a core support unit within the land administration system of the country. They cannot be overstressed when it comes to assisting you in finding your property boundaries as well as providing vital maps necessary in the process of development.
With Sri Lanka becoming more digital, the department is increasing digital services, and its GIS-related system is offering significant potential for smart plans, study, and open governance.
As a landowner, a student, or an interested policymaker, having an idea of how to go about and use the services of the Survey Department will save a lot of time and also be legally accurate in all land-related undertakings.
Never discard the copy of your original survey plan, and visit the online services of the Survey Department and compare or revise any information.
