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Chinese firm chosen to construct 230-hectare development near Colombo Harbour
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Site includes new SLPA headquarters
The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has announced plans of a US$1.4 billion port city to be built on reclaimed land near Colombo’s harbour.
SLPA chairman Priyath Bandu Wickrama told AFP that the port authority has struck with a deal with Chinese company China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC) to help realise the ambitious project that will change the capital’s coastline.
“We are moving towards the sea to reclaim land and build a mini city,” said Wickrama.
“We have finalised the deal with CCCC and construction will begin by September.”
“We hope to complete the land reclamation within 39 months.”
The port city will be built on an area covering 230 hectares of reclaimed land adjacent to the new Colombo South Port, added Wickrama.
The development will also be the site of the SLPA’s new headquarters, according to Wickrama, in addition to hotels, apartments and recreational facilities.
The first phase of Colombo South Port, part of the $500 million Colombo Port Expansion Project, is due to open next month with the launch of the Colombo International Container Terminals Ltd (CICT) – the first of four container terminals to be built at the site
The four terminals, all boasting quays measuring over a kilometre in length, will help to bring the Sri Lankan port on par with rivalling ports in the United Arab Emirates and Singapore.
