Cablegate: Imi - Development of Infrastructure Facilities

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

UNCLAS COLOMBO 001212

SIPDIS

USDOC FOR 4530/MAC/ANESA/OSA
EMBASSIES FOR FCS OFFICES

E.O 12958:N/A
TAGS: BEXP BTIO CE ECONOMICS
SUBJECT: IMI - Development of infrastructure facilities

1.SUMMARY: The government of Sri Lanka (GSL) has
planned to set up two large dry ports. The setting up of
the dry port will bring about opportunities in the
development of infrastructure facilities and the railway
line. End Summary

2.GSL hopes to set up the dry ports through the Sri
Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and the Sri Lanka Railway
Department (SLRD). The two dry ports will be connected to
the seaport by a dedicated railway line. The development
of infrastructure facilities will have to commence before
the setting up of the two dry ports and will include the
construction and upgrading of the rail track and the
procurement of locomotives.

3.SLPA hopes to become one of the few hub transshipment
ports in Asia. Setting up two dry ports will help SLPA to
use the limited terminal space within the port more
productively and it will also serve as a logistical hub for
container handling. Once the dry ports become operational
container transport on public roads will be prohibited and
this will help ease the traffic congestion.

4.Further details can be obtained from the General
Manager, Sri Lanka Railways, Olcott Mawatha, Colombo 10,
Sri Lanka. Phone: 94-11-2431177; fax: 94-11-2446490

LUNSTEAD

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