brand logo

Port Authority calls investments for Galle Port 

28 Jan 2022

  • The project is estimated at $ 175 m 
BY Shenal Fernando  The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) unveiled the Galle Port Development Project at the Galle Port Development Symposium held on Wednesday (26) and called for investments in this $ 175 million project which will develop the country’s oldest port into a fully fledged tourism port.  Under this development project, the SLPA is seeking to develop this historic port to exclusively facilitate tourism. Accordingly, the port of Galle will be developed to accommodate not only yachts but all necessary tourism facilities, including cruise ships, and upscale accommodation.  The key developments targeted under this project include the construction of two offshore breakwaters having a length of 850 metres and 150 metres, respectively in order to ensure sufficient calmness in the Galle bay necessary for leisure activities.  The existing port facility will be upgraded by constructing a 150-metre cruise berth with a 15.5-metre draft, which will be constructed to accommodate even the largest cruise ships in the world.  In addition, a 40 hectare (ha) land area will be reclaimed from the sea using dredging material from the harbour basin and the access channel. This reclaimed land area will be used by the investor for real estate development which includes apartments, villas, and leisure parks.  Furthermore, the project will include the construction of a state-of-the-art cruise terminal incorporating colonial heritage architecture where the occupants of the cruise may enjoy their time and all other necessary facilities for 24/7 port operations. The feasibility study has established that the proposed breakwater development is feasible and extensive studies have established that the design is robust and economical. Furthermore, the Environmental Impact Assessment has also been completed and the validity of the development permit is being renewed up to date.  However, the Environmental Impact Assessment of the land reclamation component of the project is still in progress.  The required investment in the project is $ 175 million and return on investment (ROI) from the project is guaranteed with promising demand for real estate development connected with tourism.  It was announced that this project is open for potential investors through Expression of Interest (EOI) and Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The selection process will be conducted by an open and competitive bidding process in accordance with the state policy. The initial EOI document will be opened for investors for a 60-day time period and the total estimated timeframe for the selection of the prospective investor shall be six months.  This project is seeking to develop the Port of Galle as a fully fledged tourist port, and is part of the Government’s strategy of achieving the target of seven million annual tourist arrivals and is expected to create hundreds of thousands of employment opportunities for the surrounding local communities.  During a special co-ordination meeting Chaired by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa held in the Galle District back in February 2020, it was decided to make the necessary arrangements to initiate the Galle Port Development Project.


More News..