By: Staff Writer
November 30, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s long-delayed plan to transform the historic Port of Galle into a modern tourism hub is once again moving into the spotlight, with the NPP government preparing to issue a formal call to investors “very soon,” according to Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka.
The government’s renewed push comes at a time when Sri Lanka’s tourism sector is desperate for new infrastructure capable of attracting high-spending cruise travellers and luxury yacht segments.
But questions persist over whether the administration has the administrative capacity, policy coherence, and speed required to deliver a project that has been stalled for more than a decade.
Speaking in Parliament, Minister Karunathilaka confirmed that discussions have already taken place with multiple investors expressing interest in the Galle Port development. “We are focusing on developing Galle Port as a hub for tourism,” he said, noting that several proposals are now under consideration. The government expects to formally invite expressions of interest shortly.
The proposal, originally designed by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), includes constructing a 150-metre cruise berth, expanding the land area through 40 hectares of reclamation, and developing a modern marina to accommodate yachts, boutique cruise vessels, and related tourism infrastructure.
The project, earlier estimated at USD 175 million, has remained dormant under successive administrations due to financial constraints, red tape, and shifting political priorities.
Tourism analysts note that the feasibility of the project is strong: southern Sri Lanka is already a major hotspot for high-value travellers, and cruise tourism is among the fastest-growing segments globally.
A fully developed Galle Port could generate thousands of jobs, stimulate hotel and restaurant growth, increase foreign exchange inflows, and position the southern coast as a premium nautical tourism destination.
However, investors remain cautious about the NPP government’s ability to execute large-scale projects efficiently. Industry stakeholders privately express concern about slow procedural clearance, inconsistent policy signals, and the government’s difficulty in coordinating between ministries—issues that have delayed several investment proposals in recent months. While investor interest remains alive, confidence hinges on whether the administration can streamline approvals, ensure transparent procurement, and present a bankable, long-term tourism strategy.
Critics argue that the government’s struggles with bureaucratic lethargy and inexperienced administrative teams could once again stall the Galle Port initiative, despite its clear economic advantages. Others worry that without strong inter-agency coordination, the project could fall victim to the same institutional bottlenecks that hampered earlier attempts.
Still, supporters believe the NPP government has a unique chance to prove its investment credibility by finally delivering a flagship tourism project that has been promised for years. If implemented successfully, the Galle Port development could reshape Sri Lanka’s tourism landscape, diversify foreign revenue streams, and attract a new class of luxury travellers.
But the ultimate question remains: can the government move fast enough to make it happen?
