Critical infrastructure developments in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province, including the Kankesanthurai (KKS) Port and Jaffna Airport expansion, risk delays if political transitions disrupt policy continuity, a recent report on Jaffna Post warns.
The report highlights the importance of these projects in ensuring Sri Lanka’s post-crisis recovery benefits all provinces evenly.
With Bimal Rathnayake appointed as Minister of Transport, Highways and Urban Development, and Anura Karunathilaka taking charge of Ports and Civil Aviation, the recent Cabinet reshuffle aims to accelerate development ahead of the national budget.
However, the report cautions that any disruption could jeopardise progress.
Supported by India’s $61 million grant, feasibility studies suggest that KKS Port could handle monthly cargo volumes between 2,000 and 5,000 tonnes.
The Nagapattinam–KKS ferry currently transports 1,200 to 2,000 passengers monthly, a figure expected to surpass 5,000 once daily services resume.
The Northern Province, particularly Jaffna, remains economically isolated.
The operationalisation of KKS Port is projected to link local fisheries, agriculture, dairy, and Palmyra industries to markets across the Palk Strait.
Similarly, the upgraded Jaffna Airport is poised to become a vital air transit hub between South Asia and the Middle East, boosting tourism and enabling swift export of perishables to India.
The airport upgrade could also slash travel time between Colombo and Jaffna from nearly ten hours by road to approximately one hour by air, fostering greater integration.
The report concludes that completing these projects would establish a northern economic corridor, balancing development beyond Colombo and fostering inclusive growth nationwide.
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