Aug 15, Hambanthota: Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa ceremoniously released the sea water to fill the basin of the new inland harbour in Hambanthota this morning.

Visitors were allowed to the harbour premises from 4 a.m. to witness the historic event as it is a first of a kind harbour.

The new port has been named as the 'Magampura International Harbour' at the ceremony.

The filling is to take place for the next 25 -30 days and the first ship is expected to dock in November.

According to the Sri Lanka Port Authority projects to establish bunkering and oil refinery facilities are already in the pipeline. The development of the Hambantota Port is expected to contribute to expanding and diversifying port related industries in and around Hambantota.

(Pictures by Sudath Silva)