Master Divers will open a regional office in Hambantota to meet the growing demands of the shipping industry.
Chairman of Master Divers, Ariyaseela Wickaramanayake said they will open a ship repair yard and a logistics centre. “ We are hoping to invest around US $ 100 million in this project ,” he said.
He said that the criticism on Hambantota harbour is mainly politically motivated. “ One can clearly see the facts; Singapore and Dubai harbours are getting congested and shipping lines are looking at alternative ports. Since Hambantota is located in a major shipping route soon we will see more business to this southern Port. ”
“ I can say that the Hambantota harbour will be used mainly as a transshipment hub where large ships will unload their cargo for smaller ships to distribute them to other regional ports ,” he said.
He added that when this process gets going there will be a major demand for ship related industries and Master Divers wants to be the main supplier for these needs. “ We see the future and this is why we are investing .”
“ We are hoping to open this facility by the end of the year ,” he emphasized.
Wickramanayake said the project will provide over 100 direct employment opportunities. According to him, two artificial islands are also being built at the harbour premises and they will also provide technical assistance for this historic project. “ Our company was also involved in the ongoing Colombo Port City project providing the feasibility study for the project.”
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Sri Lanka Ports Authority, March 21, 2014