Multibillion-dollar Port City plan unveiled

Wednesday, 11 July 2012 01:46 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SLPA showcases Sri Lanka’s largest project at international shipping forum in Colombo
President to kick start $ 900 m project in October to reclaim 230 hectares of water front
Envisages $ 15 b investment for host of facilities with some expressing commitments already

A sneak preview of the Government’s latest project, a futuristic Port City, was given to an international shipping forum in Colombo.

A video visually showcasing what the mega Port City in Colombo will feature and look like was played by Sri Lanka Ports Authority Chairman Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama during his presentation at the ceremonial opening of the two-day Sri Lanka Ports, Trade and Logistics Conference and Exhibition at the Hilton, Colombo.

Before playing the video, the SLPA Chief described the Port City to over 200 delegates attending the conference as an “innovation which will change the geography and outlook of Sri Lanka”.

He also termed it as the “most important and the largest project in terms of investment with international flavour”.

Slated to be kicked off by President Mahinda Rajapaksa in October, the Port City, according to Dr. Wickrema, will span 230 hectares of reclaimed water front. The reclamation work will cost $ 900 million, whilst the initial infrastructure will be completed within 39 months.

“This area will be developed as a Port City with proper planning to equip it with roads, water, electricity and communication facilities and to set up shopping areas, a water sport area, a mini golf course, hotels, apartments and recreation areas such as marinas, etc., as a modern city,” Dr. Wickrema added.

“We envisage an investment of $ 15 billion in creating these facilities within the Port City,” the SLPA Chief said, adding, “We have already received some commitments and we will call for expressions of interests when the basic infrastructure is completed.”