All set for unloading of cars at Magampura Port

by Ranil WIJAYAPALA

All arrangements are now complete to unload all car carriers at Magampura, Mahinda Rajapaksa Port from May 31 onwards with the opening of customs and SLPA to open offices there, Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Highways R.W.R. Pemasiri told the Sunday Observer.

"All car carriers bound for Sri Lanka can unload the cars at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Port from May 31 enabling the Colombo Port to make use of the space made available for the parking of cars", he added.

He said arrangements have been made to station customs and the SLPA staff and others in the existing building to facilitate the process though the main administration building which is now being built. The Secretary said all vehicle importing agents have given their consent for this and they will start operating from the Hambantota Port at the end of this month. "We had discussions with the agents and they have all agreed. Initially there may be few problems but later as it will be OK. Once we start operation moving we could expand our activities for other cargo as well at the Magampura Port", he added.

He said the Sri Lanka Port Authority has also taken the initiative to complete the bunkering facilities during the first phase of the project.

"We will be commissioning the bunkering facility shortly as we have get the approval from Ministry of Petroleum Industries. We need to conduct the trials on the bunker facility and after that we can operate that facility", he added. He said President Mahinda Rajapaksa is due to visit the port on May 23 to inspect the progress of the second phase of the construction of the Magampura Port.