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Sea water filling into the basin of Magampura Port that commenced following the auspicious ceremony held on the 15th August 2010 has come to completion. The process was carried out according to all relevant theoretical procedures and was continued without delay. Accordingly, an area of 43 hectares has been completely filled with sea water to a height of 16 metres.
According to the policy document of the present Government 'Mahinda Chinthana' initiated by His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, to make future Sri Lanka a maritime hub of the region, Magampura Port emerges as one of the five harbours being constructed and developed around the country. 85% of the total investment of US $360 of Magampura Port construction has been extended by the Exim bank of the People's Republic of China . The project was initiated following the negotiations held during the celebration of completion of 50 years of diplomatic relations between the two friendly nations. 15% of the total investment of the project is invested by Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).
As further constructions expedite within the next few days to come, the land area the old Hambantota - Katharagama road was located will also be removed connecting the new port and the Indian Ocean via the port approach channel.
An oil tank farm project is also being constructed under Magampura Port Project with a cost of US$ 76. The facility will consist of 14 tanks with a capacity of 80000 cubic metres. It will consist of 08 tanks for marine fuel and 03 tanks for aviation fuel. The constructions of the tank project have also been expedited parallel to the completion of phase one of Magmpura Port Project. Meanwhile, constructions of the administration building of 75000 square feet for Magampura Port have also been commenced and at the completion, the 15 storied building will reach a height of 200 feet.
The first vessel is expected to be berthed at Magmapura Port in the month of November this year which will enable to commence its operations. A number of foreign and local entrepreneurs have already expressed interest to invest in the business opportunities born at the port. Expressing views on the latest progress of the project, Dr. P.B.Wickrama, Chairman of Sri Lanka Ports Authority stated that with the development of the new port, the targets expressed in 'Mahinda Chinthana' for the collaborative regional development of the country could be fruitfully achieved through the large number of direct and indirect employment opportunities that are created parallel to the project in the future.
Port site closed for visitors till further notice
To facilitate the expedited constructions of the phase one of Magampura Port Project that are nearing completion to commence operations, the port will be kept closed from the 15th of October 2010 for all visitors around the country until further notice. A large number of citizens of the country including school children visited this mega project during its constructions to have a first hand experience and knowledge of the project.
(CPRD-08102010) |
