The Kankesanthurai Port (KKS)which is being rehabilitated and developed into a commercial port for the creation of a domestic and regional maritime hub will be completed by end 2023.
Among the economic uses of the development of the KKS port will be the creation of a ferry between Sri Lanka and India, promotion of tourism between the two countries, the internal transport of goods between KKS and local ports such as Oluvil, Trincomalee, Jaffna, Galle and Colombo.
Among the components of the rehabilitation of the KKS Port project are the rehabilitation of the existing breakwater, the rehabilitation and extension of the of the existing pier, construction of new commercial pier, and construction of navigational aids, top official sources told the Daily News Business yesterday.
The funding institution is the EXIM Bank of India for a sum of US$ 45.27 Million And the implementing agency is the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. The Dollar Credit Line Agreement has been signed on January 10, 2018. The on- lending Agreement between the SLPA and the Treasury was signed in October 2018.
The Project Management Consultancy Agreement has been signed on June 30, 2020. Then the Consultants who have been selected are Haskoning DHV Consultants (Pvt) Ltd of Bombay. they commenced the consultancy work on 12th October 2020. Around 50% of the work has been completed and they are scheduled to complete their work after August 2021. The highlight of the project is that there will be a second Detailed Project Report which will be done after the initial one as the weather patterns have changed with the passage of time.
With the completion of the design work, the Government will call for prequalification of contractors through the EXIM Bank of India. The construction on the part of the Indian contractor will commence and will take 18 months to complete.
The project is expected to be completed end 2023, sources said.
There is also the infrastructure facilities which has been undertaken by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority ( SLPA) which has revolved round the construction of boundary walls, fences and gate complexes, water tower, water sump and administrative building which will cost around Rs. 200 Million and is in the final stages.
There is also an ancient Hindu temple which is bordering the port premises which is also being rehabilitated by the Valikamam Pradeshiya Sabha which will be funded by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
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