By: Staff Writer
Colombo (LNW):The government of Sri Lanka launched a project for a passenger ferry service between the port of Kankasanthurai, Sri Lanka and Pondicherry, India to provide a more affordable and convenient mode of transportation.
In support of this project, the Sri Lanka Navy has commenced facility expansion of the Kankasanthurai harbour, with a view to accommodate more traffic and provide better infrastructure.
The Navy is committed to nurturing a stable ocean region for the safe conduct of economic activities in Sri Lankan waters.
In addition, the Navy has often made its skilled manpower, efficiency and technical expertise available for the overall progress and prosperity of the nation.
Following the directives of the Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, the Sri Lanka Navy has taken an active role in supporting the expansion of the Kankasanthurai harbour facility by enabling its manpower and expertise, in response to a request of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation.
Accordingly, the project got underway on 01st February, with skilled manpower and industrial expertise enabled by the Navy.
Thus, the Sri Lanka Navy has undertaken the construction of a passenger terminal for immigration and customs clearance of people who intend to use this passenger ferry service. Required materials for the construction work are provided by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
Presently, a group of 60 naval personnel are engaged in construction of a 1000 square meter passenger terminal, under the supervision of naval civil engineering officers.
The construction work of the passenger terminal will be completed soon and thereupon the facility will be handed over to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority for its operational purposes.
The passenger ferry service project is part of a larger effort to strengthen longstanding ties between India and Sri Lanka, with a focus on improving tourism.
Through the Navy’s contribution towards prompt implementation of the project, it will not only save a lot of public money, but also enable the public to enjoy the expected benefits of this project in due course.
The key developments that are scheduled to be completed at the KKS Harbour included the construction of a new commercial berth, rehabilitation of the existing breakwater (1,400 m); rehabilitation of the existing Pier No. 1 (size 96 m x 24 m); construction of Pier No. 2 of existing Pier and finally, the completion of infrastructure facilities such as navigational aids, a concrete road on the breakwater, etc.
Furthermore, to fund the project work, the Government of Sri Lanka has entered into a dollar credit line agreement with the Export-Import (EXIM) Bank of India and obtained financial assistance of US $ 45.27 million.
As per the decision of the Government,the KKS Harbour is to be developped as a main commercial port in Sri Lanka.
