The Sri Lankan government has approved the reclamation of 45 hectares within the Bay of Galle to transform the Port of Galle into a major tourism and real estate hub, similar to Colombo Port City.
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) received clearance from the Coast Conservation and Coastal Resources Management Department (CCCRMD) after an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) deemed the project feasible.
However, differing environmental reports have raised concerns over its impact on the region’s delicate marine ecosystem.
This ambitious project will involve constructing two offshore breakwaters—850 meters and 150 meters long—to ensure calm waters in the Bay of Galle and the harbor.
A modern cruise terminal will also be built, alongside facilities for cruise ships, superyachts, and water sports, making the port a key attraction for both local and foreign visitors.
The EIA asserts that, with proper mitigation measures, potential environmental impacts during the construction and operational phases can be minimized.
Despite this approval, a Supplementary Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA) highlights significant risks, particularly to the Rumassala Marine Sanctuary (RMS), a protected area known for its coral reefs.
The report warns that reclamation efforts, which will extend 300 meters seaward from Dewata Beach—a world-renowned surfing destination—could severely affect coral ecosystems due to increased sedimentation, water quality changes, and circulation disruptions.
Reclamation will require 1.9 million metric tonnes of filling material to be dredged from the Bay of Galle seabed.
The project, financed and operated under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, also encroaches on the marine protected area and its influence zone. Public comments are being sought on the proposal.
The SEIA emphasizes the vulnerability of Rumassala’s coral reefs, noting that their survival depends on careful adherence to mitigation measures. Without these, the area’s marine biodiversity and long-term ecological balance could face irreversible damage.
While the project promises economic benefits, such as boosting tourism and creating state-of-the-art infrastructure, it underscores a broader dilemma: balancing development goals with environmental preservation.
Stakeholders, including environmentalists and the local community, remain divided on whether the benefits outweigh the ecological risks.
The Galle Port City project represents an effort to enhance Sri Lanka’s tourism sector, but its success hinges on responsibly addressing the environmental challenges posed. As discussions unfold, the need for sustainable development practices has never been more critical.
