Talaimannar pier to be re-constructed after 37 years at a cost of Rs.1.8bn

The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation is planning to re-construct the Talaimannar pier to facilitate passenger vessels from Rameswaram, India. 
The pier was destroyed and had been abandoned to deteriorate during the conflict era in the north.
Under the instructions of Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has been given the task to re-construct the pier at an estimated cost of Rs.1.8 billion.

Parallel to the re-construction of the pier, about 10 acres of government-owned land bordering the port will be acquired for port infrastructure development activities. 

Under these new developments, a modern passenger terminal and warehouse facilities will be constructed. It has also been decided to call for RFPs for these investments to be carried out under PPP basis.
In the past, a passenger ferry service existed between Talaimannar and Dhanushkodi. However, the Dhanushkodi port was completely destroyed due to cyclones.

At present, India has completed developments at the Rameswaram Port, and the Indian government has declared clearance to commence a passenger ferry service between Mannar and Rameswaram.
To make initial plans for the project and to carry out necessary inspections, Minister de Silva made a special visit to the port on August 4. After the inspection visit, he also attended a special meeting to discuss and resolve issues pertaining to the project.

The Minister emphasised that the commencement of the ferry service between Talaimannar and Rameswaram will also facilitate Sri Lankan pilgrims to India providing low-cost travel facilities. 
He also said that these measures will facilitate the exchange of goods between the two countries and will be a commendable opportunity to popularise the products of the people of northern Sri Lanka in India.