Dr. Sarath Obeysekera 

Chairman SLPA 

Dear Dr. Parakram

As Chairman of the Advisory Board appointed to promote the development of Clappenburg Bay — where offshore oil rigs are currently laid up — I wish to bring to your attention several important matters requiring urgent clarification.

Over the past several years, we have worked consistently toward positioning Clappenburg as an offshore engineering and marine services hub. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) itself commissioned and prepared a feasibility report recommending the development of this area for such purposes.

However, recent developments indicate internal resistance to the project, including the assertion that the Central Environmental Authority (CEA) has rejected it. I wish to respectfully clarify that I personally met the Chairman of the CEA, who confirmed that the Authority has not rejected the project. As per standard procedure, the CEA would only evaluate and approve an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) once a specific project proposal is submitted by an identified investor.

At present, SLPA appears to be seeking strategic clearance for approximately 500 acres. There also seems to be an unresolved institutional issue between SLPA and the Board of Investment (BOI) regarding jurisdiction and process. While these matters are being deliberated, valuable time is being lost.

If we continue to delay implementation pending resolution of inter-agency matters, the opportunity to develop this high-value offshore hub may be lost entirely. Furthermore, given the strategic importance of Trincomalee Harbour, prolonged inaction may invite external pressures or proposals that may not align fully with Sri Lanka’s long-term national interest.

I respectfully request that this matter be reviewed at the highest level, including consultation with the Planning Division, in order to establish a clear institutional pathway and move the project toward implementation without further delay.

With kind regards,

Dr. Sarath Obeysekera