Moves to develop Galle Port

COLOMBO: The Loan Agreement for the long awaited Port of Galle Development Project was signed between the Sri Lankan Government and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

This project is to develop the port of Galle as a regional port by constructing new deeper multipurpose berths for larger ships and meet future demand for cargo, a Sri Lanka Ports Authority release said.

The Japanese Yen 14,495 million (approximately Rs. 13,750 million) loan project will also greatly facilitate the Southern area development plan being implemented.

This will upgrade the existing port of Galle that will ensure handling of future generation of cargo vessel, world class passenger ships and cruise-ships and also provide facilities to handle car carriers to foster vehicle transshipment activities.

The project includes construction of breakwater (1150m length), a multipurpose terminal, dredging of the Approach Channel and the Turning Basin and procurement of equipment and fully Integrated computer system.

The detailed design will commence in September 2006 and construction will be completed within four years.

The development of two 12m deep multipurpose berths adjacent to and outside the existing harbour is envisaged with the conversation of existing port to a yacht marina linking the Galle heritage city with a boardwalk for tourism development.

The development of the regional Port of Galle is also aimed at realising cost-effective transportation means for the Southern area for the open and competitive world economy.

It is also expected that the new regional port of Galle will play a vital role as a driving force for the Southern area development to narrow regional disparity.