US embassy cable - 04COLOMBO1212

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