Inland waterway transporation in Sri lanka
Posted on February 9th, 2019
Dr sarath obeysekera
it is almost three years when SLLRDC mooted the idea to involve private sector to invest in launching a boat srvice in canals anf rivers in sri lanka
We saw some navy boats oprating a little while but it did not continue
Dutch funding was also provided to carry out a feasibility study
Again it was a waste of money as the team who worked in the consultancy team did not study the need and difficulties to operate
Private sector tried to workout a project to implement but it did not workout
Now SlLRDC is trying again with navy to build some ferries and oprate in Beira Lake
Good idea , but you need strong air freshners in the boat to suppress the stench in Beira
Canal transportation is facing problems due to crocodile infestation
What can we do?
I suggest to allow any private citizen to deploy a boat with 20 passenger capacity and start operating few boats and SLLRDC to charge Canal Tax like Road tax imposed on private buses and deploy Canal Police to monitor speed and Canal Inspectors to check condition of boats and Wild Life inspectors to stop people harming Crocodiles crossing Poldoowa bridge and have Choon Pan type flour based short eat selling in the boats to generate more income for operators
One more suggestion is to add another minister to the Mega Cabinet proposed for Water Transpotation who had expience in fishing ,wild life and public transport who should not sleep during the journey
Dr Sarath Obeysekera
CEO Walkers Colombo Shipyard
Colombo
Sri Lanka
CEO Walkers Colombo Shipyard
Colombo
Sri Lanka