Following the initiation of 'Karadiyawara Mangalyaya' at Magampura Port on 15 August, all due steps are being taken to ensure the successful completion of sea water filling into the port basin, stated Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

Due to the rapid progress of the project, it is expected to accomplish the process of sea water filling nine months ahead of the scheduled period. Hence, the port will commence operations in November this year.

The first vessel will be berthed at Magampura Port and a large number of local and foreign entrepreneurs are in the process of studying feasibilities at present, in order to extend port related services and industries at Magampura, the Authority further stated.

The investment opportunities that are initiated with the fullest patronage of the present government have received a highly commendable response from all sectors of business investments.

Magampuara Port, which will commence operations as an industrial and service port at the initial stages, will cover an area of 2,000 hectares enabling to operate more than 40 vessels at a time at the completion of all stages of construction.

The port is being constructed by investing 15% of the total cost by Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and 85% from the Government of the People's Republic of China.

Magampura Port will be the first port to commence operations, through the initiation of the port development process in Sri Lanka, according to 'Mahinda Chinthana' to make Sri Lanka the future maritime hub of the region.