Trade licences in 25 days from CMC

The Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) has introduced a new and efficient module for businesses to obtain a licence to operate and trade. If the criteria are met, the licence will be issued in 25 days.

The licence ensures compliance in overall hygiene facilities, site plan as well as fire regulations in order to operate in a particular neighbourhood or within a community. Licences are issued by CMC to 148 different business categories, the majority being catering establishments and restaurants, barber and hairdressing salons, car repair shops and garages, LP gas stores, tailoring establishments and manufacturing facilities etc.

CMC’s biggest concern is the lack of awareness among the business and trading sector of the mandatory requirement of a licence to trade. Applicants are unaware of the process, requirements and timelines which results in obtaining such a licence being a tedious and cumbersome affair.

The new simplified module will significantly reduce redundant processes to avoid unnecessary delays, reduce workload of departmental heads and ensure faster processing of applications.

A handbook explaining the required criteria along with a checklist will ensure that both applicant and the Municipal inspectors are knowledgeable on the requirements. This too will avoid unnecessary delays in the process.

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, assisted Colombo Municipal Council to create efficiencies for obtaining trade licences by simplifying the issuance process for businesses. The new business licensing system is a progressive measure to help Colombo improve the investment climate and achieve its full growth potential.