Come, but make it quick: Ports authority urges visitors to Hambantota harbour

The unprecedented crowd converging to take a glimpse of the Hambantota harbour project may hamper its construction activities. The authorities urge the public who visit the area to make their visits as brief as possible so as not to obstruct the construction work.

Sri Lanka Ports Authority chairman Dr. Priyath B. Wickrama says that the vehicles bringing in the visitors and the long time spent by them in the area may be a drawback to the progress of the project.

The basin of the US$ 437 million port under construction in Hambantota is scheduled to be filled with sea water by next week. He urged the visitors to pay attention to this issue as well.

Three ships could be anchored in the port once the first stage of construction is completed. The first ship is expected to call on the port in November this year.

The first phase of the harbour development is a joint venture between China Harbour Engineering and Syno Hydro Corporation. The Government of China  provides 85% of financial assistance for this project.