India to fund harbour dev in Sri Lanka

NEW DELHI, May 9 (Gulf News): India will financially assist Sri Lanka to develop northern Jaffna peninsula's biggest harbour that will facilitate the transportation of goods from nearby Indian ports, said a Sri Lankan official here. The Indian government has agreed to provide financial assistance to develop Kankasanthurai (KKS) Harbour in two phases. KKS harbour is one of the 10 sea and air entry points to the country. President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who holds the finance portfolio, had presented the proposal for KKS Harbour development to the cabinet. Sri Lanka High Commission's Minister-Counsellor Sugeeswara Senadhira said the cabinet of ministers gave the green signal to the KKS Harbour development project last week. The project, to be carried out in two phases, will involve repairs to the existing breakwater, jetty and deepening of the harbour. A new breakwater will also be constructed. "A memorandum of understanding with the Indian government to carry out the development of the port is to be signed shortly," Senadhira said. The harbour's development will enable economic and social development of the war-torn North. Authorities said the development of KKS harbour will facilitate the transportation of goods from nearby Indian ports.