Investor interest for Galle Face

Indunil HEWAGE

Many foreign investors have shown interest to invest in the 400-acre land to be reclaimed in the Galle Face area using extracted soil from the sea.

The Galle Face area

The land is to be used to build commercial buildings, luxury hotels and other high rise buildings. It is planned to erect all buildings in the reclaimed area with over 35 floors.

The construction work of the project is likely to be started around February or March. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority is planning to conclude the entire Galle Face expansion project within two years. Open tenders are likely to be called following the completion of the construction work of the project or completion of design process of the project, Sri Lanka Ports Authority Director Prasanna Kalutarage said.

In addition Nidahas Sevaka Waraya (Pvt) Limited (NSW), which falls under the governance of Sri Lanka Ports Authority is seeking the approval of the Urban Development Authority (UDA) to start a floating boat service in the Beira Lake.

“If we get the UDA approval, we will be able to start the floating boat service with ten wooden boats in February,” Kalutarage said.

Following the conclusion of the Galle Face expansion project, the Nidahas Sevaka Waraya is planning to start a speedboat service in the Galle Face sea area.

“In addition we have asked for Sri Lanka Navy approval to start a speed boat service in the Trincomalee district. Currently NSW runs a ferry service from Trincomalee to Muttur using Seruwila 2 passenger ship.