JKRSOTHY: Hambanthota Harbor takes its place in the world map, Sri Lanka President says

Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa today declared open the newly built Magampura Harbor in Hambanthota with a ceremonial berthing of a vessel at the port
.The first vessel that was anchored outside the harbor was taken into the harbor at the auspicious time of 10:30 a.m. today. Three ships led by the Sri Lanka Navy's Jetliner entered the Harbor ceremonially.
Addressing the ceremony the President said the arrival of the first ship at the Hambantota harbour has marked a new location in the world naval map.
"Today, we have left our mark, not only on the Sri Lankan map but also the world map. Today the Port of Magampura saw the berthing of its first ship. In the maritime maps of the world this will be marked as an important port," he said.
The President said today as his first term of presidency comes to an end and a new term begins tomorrow, he is extremely pleased to fulfill the pledges he made during his first term.
One of the pledges is to achieve an honourable peace and the other pledge was to create a new Sri Lanka, he said adding that he was glad to state that he was able to fulfill both these promises within five years, even before the end of his term.
President Rajapaksa also presided over the commencement of the second stage of construction of the harbour that is to be completed by 2014. He noted that the harbour is a new opening for the development in the next five years.
Seruwila, the first ship that reached the harbour brought a Buddha statue gifted to Sri Lanka by Myanmar to the shore.
Conveying the commendations and the best wishes of the Chinese government special envoy to Chinese President, Sang Guowei said the Magampura harbour is the prominent symbol of friendship between China and Sri Lanka.
The Chinese envoy pointed out that the harbour, to be developed as a leading intermediary harbour in the Indian Ocean Zone, will massively benefit Sri Lanka's economy through the building of extensive business relations in the region.
The first phase of the Harbour, built at a cost of US $ 437 million is a joint venture between China Harbor Engineering and Syno Hydro Corporation. The Government of China provided 85 percent of financial assistance.
First Lady Shiranthi Rajapaksa, Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa, Prime Minister D.M. Jayaratne, Deputy Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardana, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrema also participated in the ceremony.