Over $ 1.7 billion expended:

Port projects on track

by Ananda KANNANGARA

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) claimed last week that the massive multi-million rupee development projects which are now being carried out at the Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee, Hambantota and Oluvil ports will generate over 250,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities within the next five years.

In an interview with the Sunday Observer, SLPA Chairman Dr. Priyath Wickrama said from 2005, over US$ 1.7 billion have been spent by the Government on development projects related to the five ports of the country.

Work in progress at the Hambantota port

Hambantota port development

The Colombo port is being expanded

"Our main target is to expand the current container handling capacity from 4.5 million to 12 million TEU per annum, so that we would be able to save a massive amount of foreign exchange, currently paid on container unloading delays," he said.

Chairman Wickrama said over 25 foreign investors have already confirmed their willingness to commence large-scale industrial projects in our country after the ports sector is developed.

Accordingly, some investors have pledged assurance to start projects such as cement grinding, cement bagging, fertiliser bagging, a vehicle assembly plant and a warehouse complex in proximity to these ports especially in the Hambantota, Galle and Trincomalee districts.

"Providing employment to youth in the area is our next target; we hope to create many direct employment opportunities as well as a large number of indirect jobs to youth, from these areas," he said.

He said as the Colombo Port area is heavily congested, foreign investors would like to set up new industrial projects outside the city of Colombo.

"Investors have also focused attention on operating an LPG plant, a non- containerised cargo terminal, ship chandlering (providing services for ships) facility and a food canning industry near the port development areas.

On why the Government needs to further develop the Colombo Port, the Chairman said expanding the Colombo Port is vital at this juncture to meet the increasing demand for services in the international shipping industry.

He said under the Colombo Port expansion project, a 6.83 kilometre long breakwater is being constructed. "A crude oil pipeline will also be constructed and the dredging of a new harbour basin will be undertaken during the next few months in the Colombo Port".

Navigation channel

The Chairman said the most important navigation channel will be completed as early as possible.

He said with the completion of the Colombo Port development project, over 27 ships including all types of cargo ships, container ships and passenger cruise ships could be berthed in the Colombo Port.

Speaking on the progress in the construction of the Hambantota project, Chairman Wickrama said the first phase will be completed by November while the second stage is expected to be launched soon after the first phase.

"As the Port of Colombo is reaching its maximum capacity for all types of cargo, the Hambantota Port will be constructed with all facilities to cater to the increasing demand for maritime transportation and customer services," he said.

He assured that the second phase will be completed before the scheduled time.

He said this Port will be constructed to handle 100,000 DWT vessels and it will have an approach channel of 210 metres width and 17 metres depth.

He said 76 percent of the breakwater construction in the Hambantota Port has been completed, while the construction preparations and coffer-dam constructions have been also completed.

"This will be the biggest service and industrial port in the country, since it is closer to the international maritime route,". Wickrama said.

He said this is also the nearest point to the main shipping routes that connect the East and the West.

Speaking on the infrastructure development of the Galle Port, the SLPA, Chairman said the facilities provided for yachts at the Galle Port were damaged during the tsunami in 2004 and under the first phase of the Galle Port development program, it is expected to provide a full fledged yacht marina for the Galle Port to attract yachters.

He said the development of the Port of Galle as a tourist destination is also another objective and facilities will also be extended to accommodate passenger cruise ships.

Completion ahead of schedule

The port development projects in Trincomalee and Oluvil are also being carried out successfully. We expect to complete these projects before their scheduled dates, he said.

SLPA Deputy Chief Manager, Nalin Aponso said development activities related to the two port projects at Kankesanturai and Point Pedro are also being carried out and construction work could be completed before the end of this year. Speaking about the workforce attached to all ports in the country, he said over 13,500 are presently engaged in various capacities.

Meanwhile, SriLankan Airlines International Relations Manager, Srimanthaka Senanayake said several projects on airport development are now being carried out. This includes work on the country's second international airport at Mattala, Hambantota which will be completed soon.

He said even the largest aircraft in the world, the A-380, could land in this airport. Over 10,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities could be created with the commencement of operations of this airport.

He said Mihin Lanka has planned to add another aircraft to its fleet within the next few months. Mihin Lanka currently operates its services to five destinations and this will be increased to ten in due course.