India to Renovate Sri Lanka's Kankesanthurai Port Under Bilateral Agreement
Sri Lanka's Approval for the Kankesanthurai Port Renovation Project
The Sri Lankan Cabinet has approved plans to refurbish the Kankesanthurai Port (KKS Port), located in the northern part of the island. The project will be implemented with financial support from the Government of India, highlighting the growing cooperation and strong bilateral relations between the two countries. India's commitment to covering the entire estimated cost of the project is a significant step towards improving Sri Lanka's port infrastructure.
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| Sri Lanka handed over the renovation project of ‘Kankesanthurai Port’ to the Government of India. |
Details of the Kankesanthurai Port Renovation Project
The total cost for the Kankesanthurai Port renovation is estimated at $61.5 million. India has agreed to finance the project, demonstrating its support for Sri Lanka's economic development and regional connectivity. Kankesanthurai Port is strategically located in the northern region of Sri Lanka and is just 104 km from Karaikal Port in Pondicherry, India.
This refurbishment project is expected to improve the port's infrastructure, facilitate greater trade, and enhance connectivity between India and Sri Lanka. It is part of a broader effort to strengthen the maritime and economic ties between the two nations.
India-Sri Lanka Ferry Services and Strategic Significance
Last year, ferry services between India and Sri Lanka began with a direct passenger ship service connecting Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai Port in Sri Lanka. The ferry covers a distance of 111 km in approximately 3.5 hours, providing a direct route for passengers and enhancing people-to-people connections.
The refurbishment of Kankesanthurai Port is expected to further boost these ferry services, facilitating smoother and more efficient transportation between the two countries. This project, along with other recent collaborations, underscores the strategic importance of bilateral infrastructure projects in strengthening regional connectivity and economic growth.
Context and Related Developments in Sri Lanka
The original cabinet approval for the Kankesanthurai Port renovation project was given on May 2, 2017, with project management consultancy services approved on December 18, 2019. The refurbishment is part of broader efforts to improve Sri Lanka's infrastructure and support its economic development.
In another significant development, a joint venture between an Indian and a Russian firm recently won a 30-year contract to manage Sri Lanka's Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, located near Hambantota. This airport, once described as "the world's emptiest airport," was built in 2013 at a cost of $209 million, with financing from the Export-Import Bank of China.
These developments demonstrate the evolving landscape of infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka and the key role that India plays in supporting the country's growth and connectivity.
Conclusion
The renovation of Kankesanthurai Port under Indian financial support marks a significant step in strengthening India-Sri Lanka relations and boosting regional connectivity. The project is expected to enhance the port's infrastructure, improve trade, and promote greater people-to-people links. As India continues to support Sri Lanka's infrastructure development, these collaborations will contribute to fostering stronger economic and maritime ties between the two nations.
