9 November 2022 05:21 pm Views - 2884
The construction work of the newly built Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT) within the Colombo Port was initiated today.
The project was flagged off by Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. The Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Gopal Bagle was also among the participants at this event as a special guest.
The entire project will cost US$789 million. 51% of this total investment belongs to India's Adani Group, 34% to John Keells Holdings PLC, and 15% to Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).
The length of the jetty constructed under this project is 1,400 metres. The total terminal area is 65 hectares. The container capacity of this terminal is three million.
The construction company emphasises that an 800-meter-long jetty will be constructed with 18 automatic terminal cranes will be installed under the first phase of this terminal, which will be built in two phases.
Minister Silva stated that the Indian government has provided significant assistance in resolving Sri Lanka's current economic crisis.
He said that after the completion of this project, a large number of Sri Lankan youth will get job opportunities, and the Sri Lanka Port Authority will be able to earn a large foreign exchange.
Speaking on this occasion, Indian High Commissioner Bagle said the relationship between the two countries will be further strengthened through this project, and he would like to extend his best wishes being the Indian High Commissioner. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)