The government of India has come forward to Rehabilitate and upgrade the Kankesanthurai Harbour as a commercial port at a cost of $ 45.27 million.
This will help to further strengthen the country’s effort to become a regional maritime hub in the near future.
The project financing comes as a line of credit from the Export-Import Bank of India.
The Secretary to Treasury Dr. R. H. S. Samaratunga signed the agreement recently in New Delhi with David Rasquinha, Managing Director, Export-Import Bank of India.
The Ministry of Ports and Shipping has identified that the Rehabilitation of Kankesanthurai Harbour would contribute to promote traditional commercial linkages, both domestic and regional and give an incentive to economic activities by encouraging trade in northern Sri Lanka.
Kankesanthurai is the nearest port for all eastern ports in India, as well as for Myanmar and Bangladesh.
Preliminary Hydrographic survey geotechnical investigation, preparation of Detail Project Report and Wreck removal and disposal dredging work have already been completed under grant assistance from the Government of India.
The fresh assistance of $ 45.27 million would be used for the remaining two phases involving works relating to the rehabilitation of the breakwater and existing pier.
Construction of a new pier for commercial cargo handling, installation of port infrastructure facilities will also be undertaken under this credit line facility from India.
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority under the supervision of the Ministry of Ports and Shipping will implement this Project.