Sri Lanka Cabinet Approves Kankesanthurai Port Renovation With Indian Funding

By  News On Air   Apr 30, 2024

Sri Lanka’s Cabinet has approved the plan to renovate the Kankesanthurai port in the Northern part of the island nation. The project will be executed with Indian financial assistance. Initially approved in 2017, the project had faced delays as estimated costs surpassed available funds. Recognizing the project’s significance, India has pledged to cover the entire estimated cost of the project. The decision not only addresses the port’s infrastructural needs but also underscores the strength of bilateral cooperation between Sri Lanka and India. Earlier this year, Sri Lanka cabinet had mentioned that the project’s full cost was $61.5 million.

Situated in the northern region of Sri Lanka, the 16-acre Kankesanthurai Port or KKS Port, is located 104 km from Karaikal Port in Pondicherry, India.

Last year, ferry services between India and Sri Lanka commenced with a direct passenger ship service connecting Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai port in Sri Lanka. The ferry covers 111 km in about 3.5 hours and is an important method of connectivity for the people of both regions.