In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between the Governments of Sri Lanka and India, a team from the Central Coastal Engineering Institute for Fisheries, under the Ministry of Fisheries of India, arrived from Bangalore to assess the development of Point Pedro Port with financial assistance from the Government of India. The team met with the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, Mr. N. Vethanayahan, at the Governor’s Secretariat on Monday evening (08.09.2025) for discussions. The Deputy High Commissioner of India, Mr. Sai Murali, was also present at the meeting.
The Governor warmly welcomed the Indian delegation at the outset of the discussion and expressed his gratitude to the Government of India for its continued assistance. He recalled that during a visit to Mullaitivu in May, the Indian Ambassador to Sri Lanka had assured that the Point Pedro Port would be developed with Indian financial support. The Governor emphasized the importance of developing the Point Pedro Port and expressed regret that previous efforts to undertake the project with funding from the Asian Development Bank, during his tenure as Jaffna District Secretary, had not materialized. He expressed hope that such setbacks would not occur again and assured the delegation that the Northern Province would extend its full cooperation for the successful implementation of the project.
Following the remarks by the Indian Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Sai Murali, the Director of the Central Coastal Engineering Institute for Fisheries presented his technical assessment of the Point Pedro Port development project. He outlined modifications made to the original project design and addressed concerns previously raised by the Sri Lankan Ministry of Fisheries. The Director also discussed the necessary approvals required from relevant government departments, including the renewal of permits obtained during earlier phases of the project.
The Assistant Director of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources stated that the delegation would visit the Port of Point Pedro in person and is scheduled to meet with the Minister of Fisheries on the coming Friday. Meanwhile, the Governor emphasized the importance of considering the perspectives of community organizations connected to the Port and advised that future plans be developed with their input.
The discussion was attended by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, members of the Indian delegation, and officials from the Ministry of Fisheries.
