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11. Colombo Harbour.
In connection with a communication dated 7th June, 1932
from the Colonial Office (Document Colombo (1931) No.8)
forwarding a despatch from the Governor of Ceylon on the
subject of the proposed further deepening of Colombo Harbour,
the Chairman pointed out that there were two matters for
consideration, the first being the provision of the suggested
deep water berths behind the island breakwater which local
opinion apparently regarded as impracticable, and the second
being the reference in the despatch to the visit of the
"Renown" to Colombo which had necessitated expensive dredging
at short notice. Un the first point it was agreed that the
Committee should inform the Colonial Office that they were
prepared to withdraw the suggestion, made tentatively (see
5th para. of Committee's letter to the Colonial Office, dated
26.11.31) that two deep water berths should be constructed
behind the island breakwater. With regard to visits to
Colombo by large arships, Sir Leopold Savile stated that it
was impossible to forecast whether such visits would be made
in the future. He added that there were very few berths in
eastern waters which could accommodate a battleship or cruiser
and consequently the Admiralty would be in favour of the
provision of such berths at one or two convenient Harbours in
the Bast if they could be provided without expense to that
Department.
So far as could be seen at present, however, a
depth of 35 feet would be sufficient to accommodate any capital
ships which were likely to visit Colombo for some time to come.
The Committee were of opinion that the scheme of
dredging for the harbour recommended in their previous report
was sufficient for present requirements, and agreed that a
draft letter to the Colonial Office on these lines should be
prepared for consideration at the next meeting.
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