The proposed Galle Port Development Project by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) is set to have a significant negative impact on the coral reefs of the Rumassala Marine Sanctuary, according to a comprehensive 500-page Supplementary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report.
The project, which aims to reclaim nearly 45 hectares of land, is designed to create a recreational and tourism zone, complete with a tourist port. The development includes the construction of a 150-meter berth for passenger vessels and superyachts, along with a state-of-the-art cruise terminal.
A major concern raised in the report is the impact of the reclamation, which will extend about 300 meters into the sea from Devata Beach, a world-renowned surfing destination. To carry out the reclamation, 1.9 million metric tons of fill material will be extracted from the seabed of Galle Bay. The project is being financed through a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with the port’s operations also planned to follow the same PPP structure post-construction.
The EIA report highlights the potential damage to the Rumassala Marine Sanctuary, particularly due to the project’s proximity to the coral reefs. The reefs are highly sensitive to changes in sedimentation, water quality, and overall environmental conditions. Experts warn that the reclamation project could disrupt the delicate ecosystem, which is home to diverse marine life, including valuable coral species.
Despite these concerns, the report suggests that the environmental damage could be minimized if proper mitigation measures are implemented. Recommendations to protect the coral reefs and surrounding marine environment will be crucial to minimizing the long-term impact of the development.
The SLPA has opened the project for public comment, allowing stakeholders and concerned parties to voice their opinions and suggestions before the project moves forward. This will provide an opportunity for a broader discussion about the balance between economic development and environmental preservation in one of Sri Lanka’s most ecologically sensitive areas.
