Sri Lanka opens China-funded Hambantota seaport
August 16th, 2010 - 3:03 pm ICT by ANIColombo, Aug.16 (ANI): Sri Lanka has opened a new seaport in southern Hambantota, which has been built with Chinese assistance as part of a six billion dollar drive to rebuild infrastructure after the war.
The port has four terminals, two for cargo and two for fuel bunkering.
A second, equally big, phase is being built, the BBC reports.The government hopes the port will get business from some of the 70,000 ships that cross the Indian Ocean each year.
The first ships will arrive in November.
Sea water was released into the new port by President Mahinda Rajapaksa, breaching the remaining piece of land separating the site from the Indian Ocean.
About a metre’s depth of seawater will flow in each day for nearly three weeks.
“It is not sea water that will fill this port, but the future prosperity of our nation. From this China is now the biggest lender to Sri Lanka - it is also funding a large coal power station, roads and railways, and an airport near the new seaport. (ANI)
- Indian firm to invest in Sri Lanka - Dec 01, 2011
- Sri Lanka disappointed after losing Hambantota bid - Nov 12, 2011
- Bangladesh, Sri Lanka to boost trade - Apr 20, 2011
- Concerned Delhi watchful about China's developments in Indian Ocean region: Rasgotra - Aug 18, 2010
- India, Sri Lanka take ties to new heights (Lead) - Nov 26, 2010
- Sri Lanka launches new port built with Chinese financing - Aug 15, 2010
- Krishna likely to open strategic Jaffna, Hambantota consulates in Oct end - Oct 05, 2010
- Kerala boat hit-and-run: Cargo ship sailor arrested - Mar 08, 2012
- 'Sri Lanka's ties with China no threat to India' - Dec 29, 2011
- Will India's vote drive Sri Lanka closer to China? - Mar 23, 2012
- Man on board M.V.Prabhu Daya missing - Mar 04, 2012
- Sri Lankans view Buddhist relics from Pakistan - Jun 21, 2011
- India, Sri Lanka now understand Tamil ethnic issues: Lankan daily - Nov 27, 2010
- Sri Lanka set Canada 333-run target - Feb 20, 2011
- M.V. Prabhu Daya crew charged in fishing boat ramming - Mar 07, 2012
Tags: bbc, china, chinese assistance, coal power station, fuel bunkering, indian ocean, infrastructure, mahinda rajapaksa, president mahinda rajapaksa, prosperity, railways, sea water, seawater, ships, six billion, sri lanka, station roads