Following is the message issued by the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Dr. Prasantha Jayamanna on the occasion of the opening of the 2022 Galle Port Development Symposium which was successfully concluded on Wednesday, 26 January 2022.
Galle, a jewel of the tourism industry, is an epitome of paradise accessible within an hour by land, sea or air. This enchanting ancient city rich with its heritage and cultural values is also in close proximity to not just one but two international airports, that are linked to expressways and the main international shipping route. Today, maritime affairs are a major factor influencing global trends. Understanding the impact of these trends is vital for Sri Lanka to develop the indispensable plans to project its position in the global maritime industry. Since Sri Lanka is located at a particularly strategic geographical location on the East-West shipping route, making her the maritime hub of South Asia. Accordingly, we have a regional and international responsibility to provide world-class services required to maintain the global supply chain without any disruptions.
It is against this backdrop that the Galle Port Development Plan was unveiled with the patronage of the President His Excellency Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the guidance of the Minister of Ports and Shipping Honourable Rohitha Abeygunawardena. This development project identifies the economic and social dynamics of the area and how to optimize these resources to strengthen the national capital. Therefore, this project is certainly going to provide many new opportunities not only to local and foreign investors but also to the people of the area as a catalyst to the local economic development.
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) will continue to play its national responsibility in identifying the economic aspirations and potentials for new investments that will enrich the national economy. The potential of developing the Port of Galle as a fully-fledged tourist port while preserving the environmental, traditional and cultural values of Galle, a major attraction for local and foreign tourists, is one of the major development projects. Undeniably, Galle is about warm hospitality, crystal clear seawater, sandy shores, magnificent history and a rich heritage.
Galle Port Development Plan aims to complete this development project to accommodate real estate development, berthing of passenger cruise, super-yachts, small boats, and many water sports & leisure activities. This will allow investors to reap unforeseen benefits but also enrich the livelihoods of local communities. The inauguration of the Galle Port Development Symposium is an opportunity to explore investment avenues for both local and foreign investors. I consider it a privilege to participate in this historic occasion as we are always open for constructive discussions on development initiatives for the rejuvenate our nation.
