July 28, Colombo: The Secretary of the Ministry of Ports and Aviation Ranjith Silva says that the construction work of the first phase of the Hambanthota harbor project is almost complete.

The Secretary said that the filling of water to the harbor will be initiated by the President Mahinda Rajapaksa on August 15.

He also said that the harbor operations will ceremoniously commence in November.

Hambanthota harbor was constructed inland close to a major shipping route six to ten nautical miles south of Hambantota. It is Sri Lanka's second largest harbor. The port will be operated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

The first phase of the port project will provide bunkering, ship repair, ship building, and crew changes facilities.

Three ships can be harboured into the port in the first stage. The first ship is to anchor there in November.

The Harbour, being built at a cost of US $ 437 million for the first phase is a joint venture between China Harbor Engineering and Syno Hydro Corporation. The Government of China is to provide 85% of financial assistance.