Magampura Port heralds new chapter
*Port to become focal point for development
*Jetliner to arrive with Maha Sangha
Chaminda PERERA
Turning a new chapter in the country’s development, the first stage
of the Magampura Port will be commissioned by President Mahinda
Rajapaksa today with the arrival of a vessel “Jetliner” followed by a
sailing ship and a cargo ship.
The Jetliner will enter the Magampura Port at an auspicious time with
254 members of the Maha Sangha on board chanting Seth Pirith to bless
the Port and the country. This port which straddles the East- West
shipping line will become a focal point for development of the country.
According to Ports Authority officials, arrangements have been made for
the public to witness the arrival of ships at the port which will
generate more than 25,000 direct and indirect Jobs.
The berthing of a sailing ship and a cargo ship to the port represent
the proud maritime history of the country and the commencement of
commercial operation in the Magampura Port.
Ports Authority sources yesterday told the Daily News that more than
65 investors have expressed interest in investing in the Hambantota
district. More than 2,000 hectares of lands adjoining the Magampura
harbour is to be declared as a special economic and industrial zone to
boost industrial and commercial activities.
The filling of water to the historical Magampura Port took place on
August 15 and it emerges as one of the five harbours being constructed
or developed by the Government of Sri Lanka.
The project is funded by the Government of China and the total cost
for phase I was US$ 372 million.
The first phase included the construction of break water and Jetty
and construction of three anchorages.
The depth of the harbour is over 17 metres. The Circle handling the
vessels are 600 metres while the length of the jetty is over 1,000
metres.
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