Ministry plans development of Galle Port into tourist hub

In a bid to transform Port of Galle into a bustling tourist destination, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation on Thursday unveiled ambitious plans for its redevelopment. The proposal, spearheaded by Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, aims to enhance the port’s infrastructure while addressing environmental and wildlife preservation concerns, said a press release.

The centerpiece of the plan involves the construction of two backwaters, measuring 850m and 150m respectively, alongside dredging the harbor basin to a depth of 12.05 meters. Additionally, a state-of-the-art passenger terminal is slated for construction, promising to facilitate smoother arrivals and departures for tourists.

However, the development project has encountered obstacles primarily rooted in environmental apprehensions. To assuage these concerns, a high-level meeting was convened at the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation auditorium. Wildlife, Forest Resources Conservation, and Irrigation Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi along with Health Minister Ramesh Pathirana joined the discussion to address the ecological impact of the proposed developments.

During the meeting, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva emphasized the imperative of expediting the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process. He pointed out that previous delays were attributable to inadequate measures in mitigating environmental and wildlife challenges. Consequently, he instructed the Department of Wildlife to furnish the EIA report within a week to facilitate swift decision-making.

In response, Minister Pavithra Wanniarachchi urged officials to prioritize the completion of the EIA, ensuring comprehensive resolutions to all environmental concerns. This directive underscores the government’s commitment to balancing development aspirations with ecological conservation efforts.

Financial commitments for the project are substantial, with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) earmarking USD 200 million for the redevelopment of the Port of Galle. The infusion of funds signals a significant investment in bolstering the region’s tourism potential and maritime infrastructure.

The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, Gunadasa Samarasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Wildlife, Gayan Algewattege, SLPA’s Vice Chairman, Prabath Malavige, Managing Director of SLPA, and Additional Solicitor General Vikum de Abrew, highlighting the collaborative effort to navigate the project’s complexities.