New Delhi: In what is yet another instance of India’s growing role as a development aid partner for its neighbouring countries, New Delhi has decided to give a grant of $61.5 million to Sri Lanka to fully develop the Kankesanthurai (KKS) Port in the country’s Northern Province. The decision was taken during a meeting between Sri Lanka's Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva and Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, the Daily Mirror news website reported.
According to the report, as part of the project, a breakwater or a permanent structure to protect against tides, currents, waves, and storm surges will be constructed. The port will also be dredged to a depth of 30 metres so that deep-draft vessels can dock there.
“During the discussion, the Indian High Commissioner expressed India’s commitment to enhancing regional cooperation between the two nations and pledged the fullest assistance to attract more Indian tourists to Sri Lanka,” the report stated. “He also stated that the Indian government has designated Sri Lanka as the top travel destination for Indian tourists. In response, the Minister conveyed gratitude on behalf of the Sri Lankan Government and his Ministry for the support provided by the Indian government in the fields of aviation and shipping. He particularly praised the commencement of flights between Chennai and Jaffna.”
The Sri Lankan minister also stated that a new terminal costing SLR600 million would also be constructed at the port for the convenience of Indian tourists. He said that over the past nine months, a significant number of Indian tourists have visited the island. Situated in the northern region of Sri Lanka, 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 km.
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, according to the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). The Port, which was once under the control of the Sri Lanka Navy, served the nation during the turbulent period of the civil war. The Sri Lankan government, recognising the immense potential of the port, took a decision to transform it into a tourist port between India and Sri Lanka.
With an investment of SLR400 million, plans have been finalized to utilise the KKS Port, which is owned by the SLPA, for the transportation of passenger vessels and cargo between Sri Lanka and India. The initiation of the passenger vessel service will enhance socio-economic development and cultural relations between both countries, particularly in northern Sri Lanka.
