Sri Lanka’s new deep sea port 'Magama Ruhunupura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port', Hambantota on the south coast of the i
sland has today (Thursday 18 November) been officially opened with the ceremonial docking of the first vessel to use the port facilities.At the auspicious time of 11.57am, the second phase of the port began construction.
In a ceremony presided over by President Mahinda Rajapaksa as part of the week long festivities surrounding his official inauguration for his second term in office, a ship dropped anchor in Hambantota’s Magampura harbour to a traditionally warm and colourful Sri Lankan welcome from the huge crowds gathered on the waterfront and quaysides.
Mr. Sang Guowei, Special Envoy of the President of PR of China, Hu Jintao was among those who attended
the ceremony. Mr. Sang is the Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of the People’s Republic of China.A traditional sailing yacht was chosen in recognition of Sri Lanka’s age old role as a key stopping point on the ancient east-west silk trading route. It was followed into harbour by the Sri Lankan passenger ship Jetliner.
Phase One of the port, operated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and completed this year ahead of the scheduled completion in April 2011, is an integral part of the Government’s programme of economic action and reconstruction of transport and trade infrastructure after the successful conclusion of the three decade long struggle against LTTE terrorism. It lies at the heart of a strategy to make Sri Lanka an import/export, marine services and transshipment hub at the locus of key worldwide shipping routes.
The port is located just 10 nautical miles from one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, used by up to 200 vessels every day, and can handle vessels of up to 100,000 DWT.
A government spokesman said: “The successful completion and opening of the superb docking and cargo facilities at Hambantota epitomises the determination of the Sri Lankan Government and people to capitalise on the opportunity that is offered by the island’s new era of peace, to bring prosperity to all.
“The opening of Hambantota port ushers in a new era which will transform Sri Lanka’s important transport and shipping industry. We look forward to welcoming increased global trade through what is one of the world’s most modern ports.”
Phase one of the new Hambantota port was constructed by the China Harbour Engineering Company at a cost of some US$ 360 million and includes provision for a high quality passenger terminal, cargo handling, warehousing, bunkering, provisioning, maintenance and repair, medical supplies and customs clearing facilities.
The 2,000 hectares of land immediately surrounding the new port is to be developed as a dedicated investment and industrial zone, with 65 domestic and international investor businesses having already expressed an interest. It is anticipated that, once phase two of the Hambantota port project is completed in April 2011, the port will provide 40% of Government income by 2020 and create 10,000 direct and over 60,000 indirect new job opportunities.
Further Government expansion of, and investment in, modern port facilities is underway at Galle, Oluvil, Trincomalee, Kankasanthurai and Colombo.
Congratulations. This is only a small beginning, but will eventually bver.e a larger port. Should have happened long ago but better late than never.
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