Times Online

The construction work of Sri Lanka's proposed port city will begin later this year, the government news agency confirmed. 

The proposed Port City Development Project at a cost of US$ 15 billion will be implemented on schedule with construction work to commence during the latter part of this year, the SLPA  the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) had said in a statement quoted by the website.

"Whilst the Sri Lanka Ports Authority has invested over US$ 3 billion on all present port development projects (that include Colombo Port Expansion Project, Magam Ruhunupura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port in Hambantota, Galle Port Development, Oluvil Port Project, Trincomalee and KKS Port Development Project), which would create ample investment opportunities for both local and foreign investors, the private sector has already committed to invest approximately US$ 3 billion in the Colombo Port City development project, South terminal, Hambantota free zone and Trincomalee industrial zone," the SLPA said in a statement.

"Accordingly, approximately 230 hectares, that is nearly 575 acres, of water front sheltered by the new breakwater will be reclaimed at an investment of approximately US$ 900 million by a foreign investor. The plan has been given approval by the Standing Cabinet Appointed Review Committee (SCARC). At the recently concluded international Seatrade Conference and Exhibition at the Hilton hotel in Colombo, Dr.Priyath B.Wickrama � Chairman of SLPA emphasized that the area will be developed as a port city with roads, water, electricity, communication facilities to set up shopping areas, water sports area, mini golf course, hotels, apartments, recreation areas, marinas and with a lot more additions that would develop the area as a modern city."

"These innovations will not only change the geography and outlook of Sri Lanka, but also extend immense strength to the government�s efforts to ensure continuity and dedication towards realizing the goal of making Sri Lanka, the most competitive and preferred maritime and logistic center in the Asian region," the SLPA said.