• Calls for pre-qualified EOI
• Has plans to develop Port of Mannar as a regional port, mainly focusing on passenger and cargo handling activities

The Talaimannar - North Pier at the Port of Mannar will soon witness an upliftment, with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) announcing that it is on the lookout for investors for the development.

The SLPA called for Expression of Interest (EOI) for the same and is in the pre-qualification stage.

“This is the first step in the process leading to the selection of an investor for the development of the Talaimannar - North Pier at the Port of Mannar,” the SLPA said.

The SLPA has planned to develop the Port of Mannar as a regional port, mainly focusing on the passenger and cargo handling activities. 

The SLPA has prepared a preliminary plan for the development of the Talaimannar North Pier at the Port of Mannar on a build, operate and transfer basis. 

The SLPA said the scope of the development is described in detail in the Invitation for EOI Document, a sample copy of which is available for reference at the office of the Chief Engineer (Planning and Development).

The interested parties may inspect the EOI document at the office of the Chief Engineer (P&D) mentioned above, from September 18, 2024 to October 28, 2024.

Last year, the Ports, Shipping and Aviation Ministry announced plans to reconstruct the Talaimannar Pier to facilitate passenger vessels from Rameswaram, India, after 37 years. The estimated cost of the investment is Rs.1,800 million.

The pier was destroyed and had been abandoned to deteriorate during the conflict era in the north.

In November 2023, a gazette was issued declaring the Mannar Port under the purview of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Act.