We will make Colombo hub of South Asian ports - President

[Tuesday, December 19, 2006 - 9.30 GMT] 

Colombo will soon be made the hub of South Asian ports that will be a most attractive location for vessels to call at, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa inaugurating the Port of Colombo Southern Development Project yesterday (Dec. 18).  

He said the government was committed to provide a political solution to the North East crisis and through its many development projects ensure that all citizens derive equitable benefits from development, and it was the responsibility of the government to harness the many resources that abound in Sri Lanka to bring the benefits of development to the entire population. 

President Rajapaksa said it was a victory of the government to enter 2007 with a number of development projects that will bring benefits to all
sections of the people already underway, and that it will overcome whatever obstacles to continue uninterrupted the comprehensive development plans for
the entire country.   

The government was able to initiate massive development projects such as Norochcholai Coal power project, Ihala Kotmale Hydro-electricity project and
the Weerawila Airport project this year, while the Hambantota harbour project and the development of all ports in the North and East will be undertaken next year, the President said. He appreciated the international cooperation extended to these development projects.  

With the completion of the Colombo Port Southern Development Project, Sri Lanka will be able to serve the ultra modern and largest container vessels by the time they are launched from the shipyards where they are now under construction, the President said. The new port development projects would be based on Sri Lanka's great heritage of travel and trade, and will fulfill
the objective of making Colombo the hub of South Asia's ports and the most attractive location for ships, especially container vessels to lay anchor, President Rajapaksa added.

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Last Updated Date: December 19, 2006 -9.30 GMT