Cabinet nod to float fresh tenders to develop Port of Galle as PPP project

The Ports Ministry secured the Cabinet nod this week to float fresh tenders to develop the Port of Galle as a public-private partnership project, at an estimated cost of US $ 175 million.

The Cabinet of Ministers on Tuesday approved a proposal presented by Ports and Shipping Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena to call Request for Proposals (RFPs) to develop the port under the theme of ‘Tourist Destination and Secured Port’, which would enable its transformation to a regional commercial port, with a  fully-fledged yacht marina.

Cabinet Co-Spokesperson and Plantation Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana yesterday revealed that the cost of the project is estimated at US $ 175 million, which would be utilised to expand the berthing facilitates of the port, to accommodate vessels up to a depth of 18-20 meters, from the current 10 meters.  

The government plans to construct a deep-water passenger vessel terminal and breakwaters, dredging of entrance channel and basin and other facilities at the Port of Galle, under the project.

Dr. Pathirana noted that the environment feasibility study for the project is already completed and the approval of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has already been secured for 
the project.