The Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Ministry has formulated plans for the development of the Galle Port into a tourist port.
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.
To address environmental and wildlife concerns associated with these constructions, a special meeting was convened on Thursday, initiated by Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva with the participation of Wildlife, Forest Resources Conservation and Irrigation Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi and Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana.
The meeting took place at the auditorium of the Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Ministry.
Minister De Silva pointed out that delays in the construction at the Galle Port were due to ineffective measures in addressing environmental and wildlife issues.
It was proposed that the Department of Wildlife submit an Environmental Impact Assessment Report within one week. Furthermore, the Minister 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.
Minister Wanniarachchi directed officials of the Department to expedite the submission of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report within one week, ensuring the resolution of all environmental issues to facilitate the development programme of the Galle Port.
The Ports, Shipping and Aviation Ministry said that a total of US$ 200 million will be allocated by the SLPA for the development programme at the Galle Port.
Ports, Shipping and Aviation Ministry Secretary K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, Wildlife Ministry Secretary Gunadasa Samarasinghe, SLPA Vice Chairman Gayan Algewattege, Managing Director Prabath Malavige and the Additional Solicitor General Vikum de Abrew also participated in the discussion.
