Trincomalee Port City to be developed

Monday, 6 June 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Government has decided to develop the Trincomalee harbour as a port city, which will include an industrial zone.

Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella told the weekly Cabinet press briefing that approval has been given for the ‘Trincomalee Port City Development Project’ and a Cabinet appointed negotiating committee and project committee has been established.

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) owns an approximate land area of 2,000 hectares in the vicinity of the port of Trincomalee. This will be used to build an industrial zone as well as other income generation industries.

“If there is potential for industries like tourism we will consider using the land for that. At the moment the focus is on finding what investors are interested in,” Rambukwella said in response to questions.

On a proposal made by the President the Cabinet decided to call for Requests for Proposals from the interested parties to commence port-related business ventures with high potential to contribute to the Sri Lanka economy.

Accordingly, Cabinet approval was also granted to appoint a negotiating committee and a project committee to evaluate proposals received for same.

Lanka, B’desh in shipping deal

Cabinet last week agreed to enter into the Shipping Service Agreement with the Government of People’s Republic of Bangladesh.

The move was on a proposal made by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

The Government said the need for an agreement between the two countries was deemed necessary to enhance the new developments in the international shipping sector.