The Government will allocate nearly USD 132 million on massive development projects in all ports in the country, said Minister of Shipping and Aviation Ninmal Siripala De Silva. These investments would be made through revenue generated from Port operations.
He was speaking at the Sri Lanka Association of Non-Vessel Operating Container Carriers Licensed Agents (SLANA) AGM in Colombo where Harsha De Silva was re-appointed for another term as Chairman.
He said that the Government has allocated over US$ 100 million for the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) and US$ 32 million for the Jaya Container Terminal. “We hope to invest more on Port development via joint ventures and foreign assistance.”
The Trincomalee Port installed night vision facilities on Friday for which one billion yen was granted by the Japanese Government.
“The Trincomalee harbour will be for bulk cargo operations while the Galle harbour will add value to the tourism industry with a yacht service and facilitate the anchoring of large ships. Colombo’s North Port development is also underway,” Minister Silva said.
“The Indian Government is expected to provide US$15 billion for the breakwater project in Kankesanthurai.”
The Minister said that despite many problems in the country, the shipping industry is moving in the right direction and he would take up the challenging task to give new life to the local shipping industry to compete with Dubai, Singapore, Malaysia, India and other neighbouring ports to provide a competitive edge to importers and exporters by ensuring a cost effective, efficient and reliable Service.
The Ports Minister also commended the support rendered by the private sector towards the development of ports and shipping activities. He said if not for the private sector contribution the port and shipping services would not have been up to the extent of present standard.