New Port Opening Promises Boost for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's new pounds Sterling 226 million deep sea port at Magampura harbor, Hambantota, on the south coast of the island has been officially opened with the ceremonial docking of the first vessel to use the port facilities. In a ceremony presided over by President Mahinda Rajapaksa as part of the week-long festivities surrounding his official inauguration for his second term in office, a traditional sailing yacht, Pradeepa 2, dropped anchor in Hambantota's Magampura harbor. She received a traditionally warm and colorful Sri Lankan welcome from the huge crowds gathered on the waterfront and quaysides. Pradeepa 2 was chosen in recognition of Sri Lanka's age old role as a key stopping point on the ancient east-west silk trading route.
Navy Seeks Berthing Permission at Indian Ports
The US Navy has again sought berthing and access facilities at Indian ports, a top US commander said yesterday. US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Michael G. Mullen also expressed happiness over the very supportive response to his concept of a thousand ship navy collaboration between seafaring nations. At a press conference he pointed to the threat posed by the naval wing of Sri Lanka's Tamil Tigers and expressed concern at the growing clout of the Chinese navy. Source: GulfNews