Govt. still uncertain on KKS Port development under US $ 62 million Indian grant
Colombo, Oct. 20 (Daily Mirror) - Despite the offer of over US $ 62 million grant by India, the government has not yet firmed up its decision on the development of the Kankesanthurai Port, an official said yesterday.
Earlier , the Indian government offered US $ 62 million grant for the development of the port as part of connectivity between the country. A ferry service between the port and the southern part of India has already been launched.
The grant was offered during the time of the last government, and renewed during the current government.
However, the government, under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, has not yet firmed up its decision whether to proceed with the project or not.
Asked about the current status , Deputy Minister of Ports and Aviation Janitha Kodituwakku said that the government still wants time to study the socio- economic viability of the project.
"We are still studying the project. It may take us a month or so to take a final decision," he said.
The Kankesanthurai port, commonly referred to as the KKS Port, covers an area of approximately 16 acres. The port is located at a distance of 56 nautical miles from Karaikal Port, Pondicherry, India. When it comes to overland travel, the distance between the port and the nearest land is approximately 23 kilometers, according to the Sri Lanka Port Authority ( SLPA).
The KKS Port, with a rich and lengthy history, began its operations as a commercial port coinciding with the establishment of the Cement Factory in Kankesanthurai in 1950.
The Port which was once under the control of the Sri Lanka Navy, served the nation during the turbulent period of the war. The Government, recognizing the immense potential of the Port, took a decision to transform it into a tourist port between India and Sri Lanka, the SLPA says.
