Three islets have already been given on lease.

The remaining 11 will be given on lease for 30 to 99 years.

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Authority’s director general Malraj Kiriella has said that infrastructure needs such as water and electricity supply and transport should be met first.

A consensus would be reached with fishermen who would lose their lands and livelihood due to the project, he said.

The authorities will make a review of the entire project and submit a plan of action.