Sri Lanka Ports Authority starts work in 2011

SLPA that successfully faced all challenges of the global financial crisis that emerged in 2009 and transformed the past 2010 a year of success commenced its activities for 2011 with good hope and a strong objective of working together towards greater productivity through enhanced performance.

The inaugural function of commencing the activities of SLPA in the new year was held on 3 January 2011 at its ‘Chaithya’ premises with the initiation of religious activities.

Expressing views on the occasion Deputy Minister of Port and Highways, Rohitha Abegunawardhane stated that a key role has been vested upon SLPA in the process of making Sri Lanka the Marvel of Asia under the programme initiated with the guidance of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, and all sectors of the SLPA should therefore, express a collaborative dedication to achieve the challenges of the coming year.

Chairman of SLPA Dr. Priyath B.Wickrama speaking at the occasion said that the dedicated performance of all sectors of SLPA brought successful achievements in the past year while it was possible to record 4 million TEUs for the first time in the history of the port.

“At a moment the President has successfully defeated terrorism that had plagued our country for three decades and has expedited the development process along the paths of peace and independence. Therefore it is the utmost responsibility of all staff and employees of the institution to work towards future economic development with an enhanced team spirit,” Dr. Wickrama said.  He also stressed the point that there existed a key responsibility for the SLPA to perform a pioneering task to present a country which is free of financial burden, to the future generation.

Secretary to the Ministry of Aviation Ranjith Silva, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Port and Highways, Anura Jayawickrama, Private Secretary to the Minister of Port and Highways, Chandra Rajapaksa; Vice Chairman of SLPA, Indika Karunajeewa; Managing Director, Capt.Nihal Keppetipola; Director,  Prasanna Kalutharage; Director (Finance) Shirani Wanniarachchi; Director (Operations), G.A.Thalagala and a number of officers, staff members, employees and representatives of the trade unions of SLPA also participated at the occasion.