SLPA to call EOI for development of Galle Harbour again
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) will call for Expressions of Interest (EOI) from both local and international companies to develop Galle Harbour as an international tourism harbour, said Chairman Sri Lanka Ports Authority, (SLPA) Keith D. Bernard.
In an interview with ‘Daily News Business’ he said that some of the main obstacles that hampered the development of the Galle Harbour have now been cleared and a conducive environment for investment has now been finally created.
He said one of the main concerns of developing the Galle Harbour was it being nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage site and there were restrictions. “However we have now talked to UNESCO and have cleared these issues.”
He said that the second major issue was with the Wild Life Department as there was a concern that laying a breakwater would result in damaging the ecosystem of corals. “Here again we have talked to them and have found an alternative for this.”
The SLPA Chairman also said that the unloading of Clinker to manufacture cement which created patches of dust too has been cleared as the cement factory in concern has virtually stopped the import of Clinker. Successive governments have identified that heritage cities like Galle, which has a huge tourist attraction in nearby places, needs a full-fledged tourist port. Several EOI were formulated and even a Galle Harbour centers investment forum was conducted two years ago without any avail. Investors from UAE, China and even Russia were keen to invest but they backed out.
“However we are confident that this time we will be able to find a partner to develop this port and will offer them attractive ‘lasing terms’ depending on the investment pledge they make.”
He also said that Galle still brings them revenue via seafarers’ crew changes and luxury yachts do anchor at this southern harbour. “But with tourism picking up we see better potential to usher economic prosperity to the region from the Galle Port development.”
He also said if there was no suitable local or foreign investor found the SLPA will invest to develop the Galle as a tourism harbour.
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