The approval follows a 2021 Cabinet decision to develop ECT in phases under the full ownership of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). Speaking at the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing yesterday Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Vijitha Herath confirmed that the civil works contract for the project has already been awarded and construction is underway.

Additionally, he said the procurement process for the purchase of cranes has been successfully completed, ensuring the terminal will be equipped with the essential infrastructure to boost its operational capacity.

Herath stated that the various tax concessions that have been provided to the private terminal operators and service providers under the Strategic Development Act and Board of Investment Law will be extended to ECT as well.

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