Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilaka inspected the ongoing construction of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s new administrative building, the Maritime Facilitation Centre (MFC).
Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Ministry Secretary W.W.S. Mangala, senior officials, SLPA Chairman Parakrama Dissanayake, and Managing Director Ganaka Hemachandra joined the inspection.
The new complex is being built at the Colombo Fort Canal Yard premises after several SLPA buildings were removed to make way for Port City development and the internal expressway.
Construction began in July 2021 with funding from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), amounting to Rs. 5 billion and USD 2 million. Originally scheduled for completion within two years, progress was delayed due to the COVID‑19 pandemic and economic challenges.
Work has now reached about 75% completion. The 19‑storey complex, covering 35,000 square meters, is designed to resemble a sailing ship once finished.
Located near the Customs headquarters, Sri Lanka Telecom, and major banks, the building will provide convenient access for port and maritime service users. Around 1,600 staff from 24 SLPA divisions will be housed in the facility, with easy transport links via Colombo Fort railway station and the central bus terminal.
Construction is being carried out by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and the China Railway Group. The project is expected to be completed and handed over to the public by the end of 2026. (Newswire)