BergerWorld: 3rd Quarter 2007

The Indian Ocean earthquake, known by the scientific community as the Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, occurred on December 26, 2004. Triggering a series of devastating tsunamis along the coasts of most landmasses bordering the Indian Ocean, the earthquake affected a large number of coastal communities across South and Southeast Asia, including parts of Indonesia, India, Thailand and Sri Lanka. Under a USAID-financed study, the Berger Group is currently analyzing how damaged transportation links within Sri Lanka can be improved.

A key component of Berger's Transportation Logistics Strategy Report included recommending improvements to Sri Lanka's ports and coastal shipping operations to strengthen links to and from Colombo (population 642,163), the nation's capital and principal economic center. The Team's analysis included a survey of the existing transportation network; forecasts of future demand; and identifying potential measures to accommodate growth, including additional warehouses, storage facilities and container yards. To enhance the transportation network, Berger specialists recommended initiating coastal shipping services between Colombo Port and provincial ports, including Galle Port, Trincomalee Port, TTA Wharf and Ceylon Jetty. Future components of the project will include an analysis of the likely economic impact of the proposed investments on Sri Lanka's economy and recommended financing options for the priority projects. The Team will also evaluate the existing policy and regulatory framework and recommend initiatives to encourage more efficient transportation operations, including an enhanced role for the private sector.