Colombo South Port to the status of a hub port in 2005
[12 Dec 2000]

The US$2.1 billion expansion programme of the Colombo South Port will facilitate the increase of the cargo handling capacity of the Colombo port, Minister of Port Development and Southern Development Ronnie De Mel told addressing a news conference yesterday.

The cargo handling capacity of the Colombo port is expected to increase from the present 1.7 million TEUs per annum to 2.8 million by 2005, sources revealed.

The expansion programme, which will encompass the dredging of the new port upto 17 metres, will enable the Post Panamax vessels to use the Port of Colombo.

After the completion of the expansion project, the Port of Colombo will function as hub port within the region instead of a feeder port, Minister Mel said.

The government is expected to present the final draft feasibility report of the Australian and USA consultants on the Colombo South Port Project to the Asian Development Bank and the Japan Bank for International Co-operation for funding, Minister De Mel said.  

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