The construction work of the first phase of the Hambanthota Port project is almost complete.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Ports and Aviation Ranjith Silva said that the filling of water to the harbour basin will be launched under the  patronage of  President Mahinda Rajapaksa on August 15.

He said that the first vessel is scheduled to sail in to the port in November.

Hambanthota is Sri Lanka's second largest harbor  beside the International Port in Colombo and it was constructed inland close to a major shipping route six to ten nautical miles south of Hambantota.

The port will be operated by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.

The Secretary also said 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 and the first ship is to anchor there in November, he added.

He further said 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.

The Secretary invited the public to use this opportunity. He said the public are permitted to visit the Hambantota Harbour before it is being filled with water.

The Public will also be able to visit the bottom of the harbour.

Special arrangements are being made to facilitate the visitors.