Port City another jewel for Colombo

By Shirajiv Sirimane

Wars were fought and battles are still going on over border disputes where a country wants to gain additional land area.

However in Sri Lanka the country is getting over 233 hectares of land, bigger than the capital city of Male, via the Colombo Port City development project. Most importantly, Sri Lankan government would not have to spend a single cent for this project and in addition the island would receive a bonus by way of 125 acres of additional land. The developer gets 20 hectares as a grant to cover their costs and the balance on a 99 year lease.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Chinese President Xi Jinping are seen inaugurating the Colombo Port City Project. The Colombo Port City Project is a large construction project undertaken by the China Harbour Engineering company. Minister of Ports and Highways Rohitha Abeygunawardane is also in the picture.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Chinese President Xi Jinping viewing the plan of the project

This Chinese funded Port City project, uplifting Colombo city as a modern international city with the investment initial stage coming to US$ 1.34 billion would be implemented via Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA) in Sri Lanka. Not less than 233 hectares of sea bed will be reclaimed by the project and the significant feature of the project is that it changes the geography of the country and outlook of Colombo with the inclusion of 233 hectares in the Sri Lankan map. The proposed area will include all related facilities such as access roads, electricity, communication and all other infrastructure facilities together with landscaping constructions including lakes.

Transportation within this city space will be through a proper road network that will include many shaded pedestrian-only zones. High quality public transport will be provided to minimise the number of vehicles in the city, and a supplementary elevated monorail system is also being considered.

The other half of the city space will be dedicated for commercial and tourist developments as well as high quality residential facilities.

Because the quality of services and facilities to be provided needs to be at a very high level, a separate city council for its administration is also being considered. Once this project is completed, it will vastly enhance Colombo's image as the dynamic, modern urban centre.

The construction work for the mega Colombo Port City Development Project began on Wednesday under the patronage of the visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

"SLPA is expected to earn investments worth US $ 20 billion via other investments within this land extent. It will also generate a large number of employment opportunities. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) will receive a large financial benefit by granting these land extents on long term lease that will enable SLPA in return, to pay back all the loans it has obtained and become the pioneer institute that strengthens the State financial status," said Chairman Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Dr. Priyath Wickrama.