The Cabinet has approved a proposal submitted on the Galle Port Development Project.
The Government said the need to develop the Galle Port under the theme of ‘Tourist Destination and Secured Port’ has been identified and this will enable the maintenance of the Galle Port as a regional commercial port.
The Ministry of Ports and Shipping has planned to implement the Galle Port Development Project under a public-private joint partnership project.
The project will, however, not impose limitations on the traditional services and the attracting of investments from the private sector, the Government added.
Accordingly, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal tabled by the Minister of Ports and Shipping to take necessary steps to implement the Galle Port Development Project as proposed.
Commenting on the project, Cabinet spokesman Minister Ramesh Pathirana told reporters today that it involves deepening the port from the current 10 metres to 18 to 20 metres and building a new breakwater.
He further said the Galle Port Development Project has been estimated to cost approximately 175 million US dollars.
Minister Pathirana added that the Cabinet has approved the calling of expressions of interest to take the project forward as a public-private partnership. (NewsWire)