India-Lanka committees proposed to oversee KKS Port project

India and Sri Lanka have proposed setting up two committees to oversee the development of the Kankesanthurai (KKS) Port, with assistance from India. The Joint Monitoring Committee and Technical Committee were discussed at a meeting on Thursday at the Ministry of Energy, Ports and Civil Aviation, chaired by Minister Anura Karunathilaka.

The Indian delegation, led by Deputy High Commissioner Maitrey Kulkarni, attended the meeting and agreed to present progress updates to the Indian Government and seek final approval for the project. The KKS Port is expected to boost passenger and cargo transport, improve maritime connectivity between India and northern Sri Lanka, and enhance port infrastructure in the Northern Province.

The project's completion is seen as crucial for regional economic growth and benefiting communities in the Northern Province. Officials from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also took part in the discussion. Minister Karunathilaka had instructed officials in February to accelerate the project and finalize the necessary Memorandums of Understanding following an inspection of the KKS Port.