US$ 35 m expected from H’tota harbour

Sandasen Marasinghe and Irangika Range

Ports and Highways Deputy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardene told Parliament yesterday that the government expects a revenue of US$ 35 million from the Hambantota, Magampura port this year.

The Deputy Minister was answering to an oral question raised by UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake.

The Magampura harbour is being developed as an industrial port under the first phase of the project.

So far, 34 ships have arrived at the harbour for re-export purposes, he said.

A number of foreign investors have shown interest to invest to set up business establishments at the port.

Eleven foreign investors have signed agreements with the Ministry to commence factories in the harbour premises, he said.