Galle Harbour Earns Rs 20 Million Profit

Making the fivefold hub concept of 'Mahinda Chinthana' of President Mahinda Rajapaksa a reality in maritime sector,the Galle Port has been able to record a profit of Rs 20 million

Project Minister of Highways, Ports and Shipping Rohitha Abygunawardena, said that the loss of Port of Galle in 2008 was Rs 279 million and the Port of Galle had to sustain all expenses and maintenance costs through the earnings of the Port of Colombo which was a huge obstacle to Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).

"At present, the change of this situation has brought Port of Galle to a profit earning status.

Accordingly, Galle Port has been able to make a profit of Rs. 20 million in 2013.

Such favourable environs have enabled the port of Galle to bear all its expenses and maintenance costs without financial aid from the Colombo Port. This latest boost of profits is a major result of several well planned implementations to develop the Port during the past few years with an initial concept to upgrade the port as a port of tourism and travel destination.

Services offered for foreign vessels at the Port of Galle have been expanded adding qualitative facilitations.

"The services offered for touring yachts have also been expanded resulting a rapid income generation to the port," the minister said.