The cost of the preparation of the DPR and geo-technical investigations (approximately SLR 70 million) will be met by the Government of India, the Indian High Commission said.

The Report will focus on the rehabilitation of the existing breakwater and pier and the construction of one new pier, as well as the provision of ancillary facilities and navigational aids.

Work has also begun separately on other aspects of the project. An initial hydrographic survey of the harbour and its surrounding areas was completed in July last year to help in the planning of the project. Within the next few months, work related to removing the large number of wrecks currently inside the harbour and around it will begin. Following that, dredging will be undertaken to make the harbour suitable for vessels to come alongside. Work on the rehabilitation of the breakwater and the pier will commence subsequently.

The restoration of the Kankesanthurai harbour will provide a fillip to domestic and regional commerce in Sri Lanka. It will also result in increased connectivity and people to people contact between India and Sri Lanka, an objective to which both India and Sri Lanka are committed.