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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