Sri Lankan government to engage in a Public Private Partnership to develop beach from Colpetty to Dehiwala
The Cabinet of Ministers of Sri Lanka has reportedly granted approval for the government to invest over US$ 300 million or nearly Rs. 48 billion to reclaim land for a new beachfront from Colpetty to Dehiwala.
The Coast Conservation Department and the Finance Ministry’s National Planning Department have also granted approval for the project, media reports state.
Project Director Rear Admiral D.E.C. Jayakody had told journalists that the beach will be developed as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) with an estimated investment for the reclamation work alone costing more than US$ 300 million.
Jayakody has told the media that this artificial beach will complement the port city project and will create a world class beach with numerous leisure activities that will attract thousands of visitors.
He has further observed that the landfill will begin at Colpetty with the beach being extended some 80 metres towards the sea, whilst the width will be increased to around 200 metres when it reaches Dehiwala.
According to him, there would be special breakwater systems so that throughout the year the water levels could be controlled and the sea made safe for visitors, particularly sea bathers.
Meanwhile, Megapolis and Western Province Development Ministry Secretary Nihal Rupasinghe had told the media that under the project, nearly 85 hectares or 210.04 acres of beach land will be reclaimed through landfill.
Furthermore according to reports the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA) has been given six months to prepare a feasibility report before commencement of the project, whilst an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) study is also underway.
According to reports, once the feasibility study is completed, international bids will be called by January next year to develop the artificial beach, according to officials.
The proposed attractions of the artificial beach are expected to include a world-class aquarium, a sea plane operation unit, and water sports and wreck diving to see shipwrecks around the coast.
OSL take:
The Sri Lankan government’s move to form a Public Private Partnership to develop the beach area between Colpetty and Dehiwala in the country’s Western Province is an investment opportunity for foreign businesses engaged in construction, tourism and the provision of other required infrastructure facilities.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20180720/Z_4 |