The construction work of the Hambantota Port is in progress with Chinese aid. According to the Ports Authority sources, 25 per cent of the construction work has been completed in the first phase of the project. The first phase is expected to complete in 2009. The second phase is due to commence in 2009. The entire project has four phases and expected to complete by 2012. A section of the Hambantota Port construction site. The higher officers and the Divisional Heads of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) recently participated in a special inspection tour at the Hambantota Port Development Project. This was the first occasion, 23 Divisional Heads of SLPA took part in an inspection tour at the site to inspect the ongoing construction activities of the project. The participants were specially acknowledged of the construction work of the Hambantota Port Development Project, the progress and also of its future operational activities during the inspection tour. Being a mega development project implemented in Sri Lanka, Hambantota Port Development Project is fully supervised and inspected by the Engineers of the SLPA. This has enabled the SLPA to save a huge cost that would have to be spent if the project was handed over to foreign experts for supervision and inspection. Vice Chairman of SLPA, Mr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama functions as the Director of the Hambantota Port Development Project. The Port is constructed upon his advice, under the supervision of the Chief Engineer of the Southern Port Development Project, Mr. Janaka Kurukulasuriya Hambantota is the nearest point to the main shipping route connecting the East and West. As the Port of Colombo is reaching towards its maximum capacity due to the lack of the space for all type of cargo including Bulk, Break Bulk, RoRo, Oil and Gas, Container and etc; another suitable and efficient port is required with all facilities, to cater for such needs. As a completely success solution to this future congestion of maritime activities and services in the Port of Colombo, the second biggest Port in Sri Lanka is constructed nearest to the international maritime route in Hambantota. The area also consists of good geographical location, good weather conditions and closer to deep contours for such a construction. Hambantota has a low population density and is also considered as a less developed area for a long time. Extensive land and less restrictions in the planning therefore, has enabled to construct Hambantota Port Project as an internal port which is cost effective rather than the offshore constructions. Due to the natural depth along the coastline, there is no need for the construction of a long approach channel as well. The land in the area stands suitable for many port related industries and services too. The port in Hambantota will also be constructed specially, enabling to handle 100000DWT vessels. It will have an approach channel of 610 metres wide and 16 metres deep. The turning circle is of a diametre of 610 metres at a depth of 16 metres. The port will also consist of a Service Vessel Berth of 105 metres long, an Oil Terminal Berth of 310 metres long at 16 metres depth and a Quay Wall (General Cargo) of 600 metres long at 17 metres depth. The West and East breakwaters being constructed for the port will be of 920 metres and 310 metres long respectively. Hambantota Port Development Project commenced on the 15th January 2008 is scheduled to be completed on the 15th April 2011. The total time period allocated for the constructions therefore, is 39 months. Parallel to this inspection tour, a workshop had also been organized by the SLPA for the participants, in Hambantota to discuss and practically measure steps to be taken to elevate efficiency in all port related activities, effectively facing challenges in the constructional implementations of Colombo South, Galle and Oluvil Port Projects in order to gain maximum benefits to the national revenue and also to discuss the practical ways to create an attitudinal change in the employees towards maximizing productivity levels. Chairman of SLPA, Mr. Saliya Wickramsuriya, Vice Chairman, Mr Priyath Bandu Wickrama, Managing Director, Mr.W.G.Samarathunga, Executive Director Dr. Sanjaya Sedara Senarath, Additional Managing Director, Capt Keppetipola and the Working Director, Mr. Prasanna Kalutharage were also present at these occasions.
(DM07072008)
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