Construction of the second phase of the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) of Colombo harbor commenced today (12th) morning under the patronage of President Gotabhaya Rajapaksha and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksha.
The President and the Prime Minister unveiled the plaque marking the start of work on the site.
Construction is to be carried out with an investment of $510 million under three phases and to be completed in 2024. This ECT which is 1,320 meters long spread over 75 hectares of land will be managed and owned by Sri Lankan Port Authority (SLPA).
When completed, the Terminal will be equipped with 12 ST Cranes (STC) and 40 Granty Cranes (RMG). Access Engineering PLC jointly with China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd will be completing the construction.
Launching the construction, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksha asked the People to forget the last two years lost due to the Corona pandemic and to focus on the next three years.
” The past time is important for the opposition. We should always accept the future, not the past.No one should give up the optimistic hopes of the country and handed over to critics to carry on with the past two years,” he said
The Ports and Shipping Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena expects the Port of Colombo to reach the 13th position among Global Ports after the completion of the new development work.