The Port of Galle last year earned a profit of US$ 20 million as against the loss of US$ 279 it suffered in 2008, says Rohitha Abeygunawadena, Project Minister of Highways, Ports and Shipping.

The Port of Galle has been in operation with no proper implementation plan for a long time. But it has started to earn a better income with plans at aiming for huge profits, thus making the five-fold hub concept of ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ of President Mahinda Rajapaksa a reality in maritime sector, said the Minister Abeygunawardena making a special statement at the ministry premises.

The Port of Galle had to sustain all expenses and maintenance costs through  the earnings of the Port of Colombo, which was a huge obstacle to Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), he added.

“At present, the change of this situation has brought Port of Galle to a profit earning status and these favourable environs have enabled the Port of Galle to bear all its expenses and maintenance costs without the financial assistance from Port of Colombo” he said.

“This latest boost of profits is the result of several well-planned implementations to develop the Port of Galle during the past few years with an initial concept to upgrade the port as a port for tourism. Services offered for foreign vessels at the Port of Galle have been expanded adding superior facilities. The services offered for touring yachts have also been expanded resulting in a rapid income generation to the port,” the minister pointed out.

He also noted that these achievements were direct results of the efficient performances of the Management of SLPA under the initiative of its Chairman Dr Priyath B. Wickrama. (SLPA)