Under the 2nd phase of the Hambantota Port project, the government is planning to build a 50 acre island in the sea off the port. A bridge with a height of 8 meters, roads and terminals will be constructed to join the island with the mainland, the Ports Authority said.

Agreements have been signed for the commencement of the second stage of the Hambantota Port, the Ports Authority further said.

The Port of Hambantota, once completed, will provide a gamut of services to function as an international naval centre.

The Ports Authority said that bunkering facilities, ship repair, ship building and general shipping services will be provided while, ‘Raw Raw’ services for importing and re-exporting, as well as food and medical assistance will be provided for the ships' crew arriving at the Hambantota Port.

Port authorities are expected to provide crew members to ships and function as a transit centre for crews.

Considering public enthusiasm to see the inaugural water filling ceremony of the Hambantota harbour on 15 August, visitors to the event will be allowed to view the ceremony from the harbour bed, Ports Authority Public Relations Deputy Chief Manager Nalin Aponsu said.

Visitors will be allowed to the harbour premises from 4 a.m. without hindrance.

The harbour will be filled with small quantities of water first to allow the public to wade in and wallow in the water as this is an opportunity afforded once in a lifetime. Gradually, the harbour will be filled up to the required water level.