The ceremonial berthing of the first vessel to Magampura Port will take place tomorrow (Nov. 18) commissioning the first phase of the port by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

Arrangements have been made for people to witness the arrival of the first vessel.

lt will enter the Magampura harbour in the morning amidst chanting of Pirith by 254 members of the Maha Sangha who will be on board the vessel “Jetliner”, followed by a sailing ship and a Sri Lankan cargo ship.

The sailing ship will symbolize the proud maritime history of the country while the cargo ship will showcase the commencement of industrial and commercial activities of the harbour.

The Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama informed that the first stage of the Port will function from Thursday.

He added that the Magampura Port has become an active port in the country and already 27 investors have requested to start projects. The port will provide 10,000 direct employment and over sixty thousand indirect employment.