Kankasanthurai Port development talks have reached their final stage, with designs completed and a US$60 million Indian grant still confirmed.
The Kankasanthurai Port development agreement between Sri Lanka and India has reached its final stage, with technical studies and engineering designs already completed.
The two governments are now holding active discussions over the Memorandum of Understanding required to modernise the strategically important Kankasanthurai Port in the Northern Province.
Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku said officials had completed the project’s feasibility studies, engineering designs and other important technical decisions.
However, physical construction has not yet begun.
Both countries are still examining the legal conditions and other requirements that must be settled before they officially sign the agreement.
Get
Breaking News
First
on WhatsApp
Follow The Morning Telegraph for instant alerts, top stories and exclusive updates delivered straight to your phone.
Legal Review of the Kankasanthurai Port Development Deal
The Attorney General’s Department has submitted its observations and legal advice on the proposed agreement.
Officials have prepared the relevant conditions in line with that advice and the applicable legal framework. They have also forwarded those conditions to the Indian High Commission.
According to the Deputy Minister, officials are now verifying whether both governments agree with the proposed terms.
That process must conclude before Sri Lanka and India can formally sign the Memorandum of Understanding.
The legal review reportedly covers several important issues connected to the project. These include the use of the grant, ownership arrangements and the partnership structure under which the development will proceed.
US$60 Million Indian Grant Remains Unchanged
The Indian government’s US$60 million grant commitment for the project remains unchanged.
Current discussions are mainly focused on how authorities will use those funds, who will hold ownership of the completed project and which partnership model the two countries will adopt.
Once both governments sign the MOU, Sri Lanka expects to receive the grant officially and begin practical development work at the port.
The government anticipates that the Kankasanthurai Port development project will strengthen maritime links between Sri Lanka and India.
It is also expected to support regional trade and improve transport activity across the Northern Province.
However, construction can begin only after both countries complete the legal verification process and reach final agreement on the project’s conditions.
