Hambantota Port re-awakens South

Hambantota will be a megapolis in a few years, buoyed by a new International Port and an airport, in addition to sports facilities, convention venues, fast rail links and expressways.

Hambantota’s first step on the road to massive-scale development is the proposed International Port, whose basin is being filled with water today at a ceremony presided by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who spearheaded the project. It will take 20 days for the basin to be filled completely. An all-new method is being used for this purpose.

The China-funded, US$ 1.5-billion port project will eventually attract over 8,000 ships a year (In comparison, Colombo handles only around 6,000 ships a year). China has provided US$ 425 million for the initial stage of the project.

Most ships currently bypass Sri Lanka altogether on their voyage to the East or the West on one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The foundation stone for the project was laid in October 2007 and the first phase of the project will be inaugurated in November this year. The second stage will be completed in 2014.

The first phase includes two berths each for oil and cargo, while another five cargo berths will be added in the second phase. Oil bunkering and transshipment are expected to be two of the main strengths of the new port.

A unique feature of the 2,000 hectare Port is that its basin was actually excavated on land, saving a huge quantum of funds. A 14-storeyed building will also be constructed for administrative purposes. The Hambantota Port is expected to be a catalyst for the Southern economy, along with the airport and other facilities springing up in the region. Investors from a number of countries have expressed interest in projects associated with the Port and the airport, both of which remained on the drawing board for many years under various Governments until President Rajapaksa gave a firm ‘go-ahead’.