Proposed Hambantoata harbour project report completed
 

by Shirajiv Sirimane

The 'investigation report' for the construction of the proposed Hambantoata Harbour project has been completed and it has been handed over to the government.

Lanka Hydraulic Institute and Master Divers Ltd. jointly prepared this report. The report has pointed out that the proposed Hambantoata harbor can be constructed at a very low cost. "This is because the sea very close to the proposed site, Karagamlewaya, is very deep and artificial dredging is not required," an official said.

The official said that once completed the Hambantoata Port would be one of the deepest natural harbours in the world and can be converted to a hub in Asia.

Subsequent to a visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to Sri Lanka last week Chinese government has undertaken the construction of the Hambantota bunkering system and Tank Farm Project. In addition a power generation plant too would be constructed at the proposed harbour.

The government is also hoping to attract passenger vessels to the Hambantoata port and many new infrastructure development projects especially in the leisure sector are under way. Discussions are also under way to develop the Weerawila domestic airport.