“Our target is to start cargo handling operations before the end of this year with the expected investments in place”, the Chairman further said.

“The free port concept will enable the port users to operate without additional charges other than port handling and rent or lease charges,” he added.

“The Hambantota Port could meet the revenue target by attracting 10 percent of the ships passing the port. Therefore, special emphasis is paid to the facilities offered by the port to make it of high standard and quality, said the Chairman.

The Phase One of Hambantota Port will be completed by end of October one year ahead of schedule. It is expected to generate 5,000 direct and 50,000 indirect job opportunities.

The Government is planning to set up a Free Trade Zone between Hambantota port and Weerawila airport. This will also generate many employment opportunities.

The SLPA has started its own training programmes with the assistance of the NAITA and other technical colleges in the area.

The project committee formed two months back will complete the Request for Proposal (RFP) process and finalize the investor profile for the investment opportunities created by the Hambantota Port development activities within a month.