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We are examining the possibilities of providing port facilities in other parts of the island in order to attract not only more Transshipment Traffic but also more shipping related industries, Minister of Ports, Shipping and Fisheries Mahinda Rajapakse said yesterday.

The Minister was addressing the inaugural session of the exhibition and seminar on "Sri Lankan Ports and Shipping 2001 " sponsored by the South Asia Gateway Terminals at the Colombo Hilton. This workshop supported by the Sri Lanka Shippers Council and the Ceylon Association of Ships Agents would be held today also.

"We are also exploring the possibilities of attracting service enterprises for Regional Development in those districts or regions in particular and the island in general," Minister Rajapakse noted.

"In this connection, funding arrangements for a Regional Port in Galle are under negotiation while facilities in the Port of Trincomalee are also being developed with the provision of a 13 Meter "Alongside Berth" to handle 40,000 DWT vessels."

The Minister also revealed that a feasibility study for the proposed Port of Hambantota has also been undertaken." The Port of Hambantota has very great potential for the future as it is on the main sea lane between Europe and the East. When developed some day, it is likely to be the deepest Port in the world with a depth of 25 meters. Therefore, Hambantota Port will be very vital as the future trend in shipping is towards the operation of Super Container Carriers which require very deep ports."

"The development of the Hambantota Port could attract more sea traffic to Sri Lanka and generate enormous revenue to the country as it will be a very attractive Transshipment Port in the future."

The Minister also noted that Sri Lankan Ports could compete effectively for a large proportion of available traffic if the necessary facilities and environment could be provided and fostered." "In terms of policy, Sri Lanka is committed to developing this sector of Ports and Shipping. We will do everything possible to attract investment and participation in order to expand the available facilities and increase efficiency and productivity at Sri Lankan ports," he said.

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