Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Marine Resources Rathna Gamage has declared that the government will not implement the proposed Galle Port City Development Project.
The project aims to reclaim 45 hectares of land within the Bay of Galle to facilitate infrastructure and real estate developments similar to the Colombo Port City. It was recently approved by the Department of Coast Conservation and Coastal Resources Management (CCCRMD) following a Supplementary Environmental Impact Assessment (SEIA). The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) stated that the plan envisions transforming the Port of Galle into a state-of-the-art tourism hub for the region, which includes the construction of two offshore breakwaters, measuring 850 metres and 150 metres, to ensure calm waters in the harbour. A modern cruise terminal is also part of the proposal.
However, Deputy Minister Gamage, speaking to journalists after an inspection tour of the Galle Fishing Harbour, strongly criticised the plan, saying,
“This project involves reclaiming ecologically sensitive land from Galle Port to Rumassala, which is completely irrational. It was conceived by provincial ministers of the previous government and not by us. We do not endorse such plans, which appear to prioritise external funding over environmental preservation. We’ve already seen the devastation caused by similar port city projects, and our government will not move forward with proposals made hastily and irresponsibly.”
Meanwhile, the CCCRMD has begun seeking public opinions on the SEIA report for the project.
