Colombo: The CHEC Port City Colombo (Pvt) Ltd is planning to open the beach in the Colombo Port City to the public next year, the Ministry of Urban Development, Water Supply and Housing said.

Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development, Water Supply and Housing, Engineer Dr. Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama said on the instructions of President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and the Minister of Urban Development, Water Supply and Housing, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the construction work of the Colombo Port City is accelerated to enable the completion of the project by 2021.

A 2-kilometer long stretch of beach is now being developed and infrastructure development, including a beach stadium, beach park, children's park, small restaurants, marina for boat transport services, is due to begin soon, Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama said.

Construction of the breakwater, which is 4 1/2 meters above sea level and 3.2 kilometers long, has been completed. The breakwater prevents large waves from reaching the shoreline and provides safety for bathing, swimming, beach sports and water sports, the official pointed out.

Work on the construction of a marina for light yachts on the shore and the nearby land of the Colombo Port City Project is due to begin soon.

While the people visiting the Galle Face Green for bathing or swimming experience some problems, the Colombo Port City beach is accessible with no issues and a walking path is being constructed to enter the Colombo Port City from Galle Face Green.

The general public can visit the Colombo Port City at no charge.

The cost of reclaiming the sea and building the 269 hectares of land along with the beach and the breakwater was US $ 830 million.

The Colombo Port City, Sri Lanka's largest development project, will bring economic and other benefits to the country. Investors in Asia and around the world are already paying attention to the Colombo Port City Development Project, Dr. Bandu Wickrama said.

About 1600 workers were involved in the construction work in Colombo Port City but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the work was limited to 500 employees.

With the reopening of the country, all employees have been subjected to PCR tests and a two-week quarantine. All employees are expected to be employed by mid-July.

The construction sector has been issued 47 health guidelines and the construction of the Colombo Port City is being carried out under these guidelines.

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