Sri Lanka Ports Authority commemorates 43rd Anniversary

Part of the staff and employees at the official commemoration of the 43rd Anniversary of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA)

The 43rd Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) was celebrated yesterday at the Sri Sambuddhathva Jayanthi Chaithya premises with the emphasis on Buddhist religious activities, followed by other religious activities in their respective locations. 

The function was held with the initiative of the Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Shipping K.D.S. Ruwanchandra and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman Dr. Prasantha Jayamanna.

Expressing views at the occasion, the Secretary Ruwanchandra said that efficient performance of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority had greater potential to strengthen the national economy to bring higher benefits to the people of the country. “It is essential that the benefits of the country’s natural geographical location are passed onto future generations. The dedicated performance of Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s management, staff and employees has always contributed to its success. It is imperative to continue this commitment. 

“I would like to request everyone to increase their commitment even a little higher than last year to further enhance productivity and also request our port trade unions to support this effort. We should all work together to protect this institution.”

SLPA Chairman Dr. Jayamanna said that it was clear to everyone of the challenging situation the SLPA also has had to face since 2019 as any other public institution due to the global Covid-19 pandemic situation. “At a time when the whole country was at a standstill, operations of the Port of Colombo did not cease even for seconds in the last three years when it was impossible to carry out the work in the whole country. It was our strength, the strength of the management, staff, all employees, and the collaborative assistance of other terminals at the Port of Colombo,” he said.

Further speaking the Chairman said that the Port of Colombo had made 2021 a record year, emphasising the fact that nearly 7.25 million containers handled, the ever-largest number of containers handled within a year. 

“The performance in the first quarter of 2022 was outstanding as we have achieved more performance than last year,” he added.

“The constructions of the East Container Terminal (ECT) are being carried out successfully at present. All updated information is available in the official web site of SLPA. 

At a time, most of the infrastructure projects are compelled to cease construction work, we have been able to carry out all our project works with no hindrance at all. We have initiated all steps to purchase essential machinery and equipment for the East Container Terminal (ECT). Meanwhile, projects to develop the Ports of Galle and Trincomalee are also underway,” he said.

The Chairman said that the SLPA was a public institution that had a mission to fulfil a national requirement of nourishing the economy and therefore, all its employees were also part of a national task force. He expressed confidence that all employees of the institution would extend their best performance and contribution at this national crisis, to efficiently and productively elevate the national economy.

Additional secretaries of the Ministry of Ports and Shipping, SLPA Vice Chairman G.U.K. Algewattege, SLPA Managing Director Upul Jayatissa, several SLPA Directors, SLPA trade union representatives and a large number of  employees also attended the event.