Ministry to expedite plans for developing Galle Port into a tourist port

Colombo, May 03 (Daily Mirror) - The Ports, Shipping and Aviation Ministry has decided to accelerate plans for the development of the Port of Galle into a tourist port.

The decision was announced during a special meeting at the Ministry due to delays in the construction at the Galle Port and due to ineffective measures in addressing environmental and wildlife issues.

The  plans entail the construction of two backwaters, measuring 850m and 150m respectively. 

Additionally, the harbour basin will be dredged to a depth of 12.05m, and a new passenger terminal will be built. 

During the discussion, it was proposed that the Wildlife Department submit an Environmental Impact Assessment Report within one week, ensuring the resolution of all environmental issues to facilitate the development programme at the Port of Galle.

Furthermore, Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi instructed officials of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) to call for Requests of Interest from both local and foreign investors interested in contributing to the development project based on the aforementioned report.

The Ministry underscores that a total of USD 200 million will be allocated by SLPA for the development programme at the Port of Galle.