Port passenger terminal to be upgraded this year

Friday, 4 May 2012 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka Ports Authority will begin an upgrade to its current passenger terminal this year, given the interest shown by cruise liners to stop by and disembark at the Colombo Port.

SLPA Harbour Master Capt. Ravi Jayawickreme told the Daily FT that plans are underway to begin an upgrade project to the terminal to be ready by the winter season this year.

“There are more cruise lines coming in and we are planning a refurbishment and an upgrade program to increase the standards of the passenger jetty to offer better quality service to the guests,” Jayawickreme said.

However no budget has been allocated as yet for the project as the plans are still at the initial stages.

He noted that the Colombo Port has handled 300/400 cruise liners during 2011/2012 period.

“Even though the Colombo Port is known more as a commercial cargo port, we have the facilities to provide adequately to the demand in the past years. With the announcement of the new regular cruise line starting this December, we are confident that we can handle the demand well at the terminal.”

The largest passenger base handled at the Colombo port is 1000 and has come from the ferry between Sri Lanka and Tuticorin Port. “With the new FTI Berlin coming in we will be able to handle the crowd well with the support of Customs and Immigration.”