H'tota port will ease congestion

Harshini PERERA

The congestion in the Colombo port has compelled the Government to meet the requirement of a model port in the region. It has picked Hambantota port which is 1,115 hectares in extent, said Chairman, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Dr. Priyath B Wickrama.

He said that the port will attract investors to commence industries in the district creating many job opportunities in the Hambantota area. Phase 1 of the port will handle general cargo, Oil, Cement and include a domestic container yard and a fully-fledged dockyard as well. Therefore, the warehouses and shelter requirement of the industries can be provided.

While the construction of the project will be done with a loan of US$ 365 million from the Chinese Government the Government has invested US$ 100 million. It is expected to complete the construction in October next year.

"We will be maintaining a tank farm which can be used for storage of fuel, gas and fertilizer. The port will have different services and facilities for investors to keep their businesses running. The services of the port will include general cargo, off-shore services and large ships.

Investors in the area will be provided with many benefits. Especially tax-free business can be carried on within the limits of the port. Apart from that infrastructure facilities and mode of transportation for the industries are provided with the Southern highway and the new road bordering the port.

The railway line limited to Matara is expected to extend to Kataragama and the railway line to Beliatta is already under construction", he said.

Three industrial zones will be constructed that are six kms away from the Port and it is expected that investors approved by the Board of Investment (BOI) will soon mark their presence.

He said that currently the country's ports gets around 1,000 vessels annually and the Hambantota port can initially accommodate two vessels at a time.

Wickrama said that facilities such as water, electricity, Telecommunication and Secretarial services will be provided for the investors. A conference hall, offices, shops and recreational facilities are provided. Apart from this the Sri Lanka Ports Authority has decided to construct an artificial island catering to the tourists.

The first underwater tunnel in Sri Lanka will be constructed in early 2010. A special security system will be operated at the port and transactions can be performed through Internet without visiting the port.