Sri Lanka is ready to develop the Kankasanthurai port in the island nation’s northern tip using a $40 million loan offered by India, it was reported on Friday.
Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva told the Daily Mirror that the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) had done preliminary work and will proceed with the rest of the work using the money from the EXIM Bank of India.
“There is some work meant for us to do. We have done. Then, the Indian side has appointed a consultant. Once we get that report, we will move ahead with the development of the port,” the Minister said.
“Currently, only small vessels can be berthed. We will develop it for the accommodation of bigger vessels,” he said.
Earlier, Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said cargo transportation between India and northern Sri Lanka will commence shortly.
The development of the port with the Indian assistance has long been in the pipeline. India offered financial assistance in the aftermath of the end of the war in May 2009, and some works such as wreck removal was done at that time.
Sri Lanka’s north is separated from southern India by a narrow strip of sea.
