Work on Hambantota port to commence early June

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

COLOMBO:Work on the mega Hambantota port development project which includes the first ever inner harbour in Sri Lanka will get under way in the first week of June providing a gigantic boost to the country’s development drive.

The port area covers 2,000 hectares linking the Karagam salterns and will be six times larger than the Colombo harbour.

The estimated cost of the project is US$ 528 million with the final investment assessed to US$ 4 billion, Sri Lanka Ports Authority Deputy Chairman Priyath Bandhu Wickremanayake said at a presentation at the Information Department in Kirulapona yesterday.

The presentation was held to educate the media on the project considering the importance of disseminating its advantages to them and the country.

The new port will be able to attract around 300 ships by-passing the Colombo harbour daily due to lack of facilities and feasibility reports have confirmed that Hambantota has the basic requirements to build this port. On the other hand, it would cost more money to expand the Colombo harbour.

The economic imbalance in the country will also be reduced as a result of rapid improvement of jobs in shipping related, tourism and other fields. This would bring considerable foreign exchange to the country.

The Government has acquired 1,115 hectares for the first stage and around 450 families who will be displaced have consented to part with their lands.

Arrangements have been made to pay compensation. There will be two terminals, one for traditional cargo and the other for fuel and gas.

All types of vessels can be accommodated as the harbour will have a 16 metre depth.

It was pointed out that certain groups were trying to find fault with this project with hidden motives and the public was requested not to be misled by such moves.

The project is due to be completed by 2010 and funds will be provided by Sri Lanka Port Authority and the Chinese Government.