Tenders on new Galle port to be finalised soon

By Lalin Fernandopulle

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Tenders will be finalised by mid next month for the construction of the new port in Galle, said Vice Chairman, Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), Priyath Bandu Wickrama.

“The SLPA called for tenders last month for the construction of the port which will increase the capacity of the existing port in Galle.Tenders will be finalised next month and the successful bidders will commence work on the project this year”, Wickrama said.

The construction of the port which is estimated to cost US$ 175 million will be funded by the Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC). The project which was designed early last year will be completed in 2011.

“The new port which will be built next to the Galle port will enhance the capacity and provide facilities for yacht and passenger vessels.Promoting tourism in addition to handling cargo is also an objective of the project”, he said.

The south coast has been a prime location for tourists. The port will be another tourist attraction offering employment and business opportunities for people in the area. There will be direct employment to over 20,000 people while the port will offer another 10,000 indirect jobs to people in the area.

Wickrama said the capacities in ports have to be expanded to enable larger vessels to call and handle more volumes. The quay of the port will be 600 meters and the depth 14 meters.

The project committee is preparing the documents for the tenders to construct the first terminal of the Colombo South Harbour Development project. Tenders will be called before the end of next month.

“The breakwater of the harbour is expected to cost US$ 350 million of which US$ 300million was pledged by the Asian Development Bank. Work on the break water is in progress,” he said.