Sri Lanka Ports Authority celebrates 42nd anniversary

Minister of Ports and Shipping Rohitha Abeygunawardena addressing the event

The 42nd anniversary of the establishment of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) that fell on 1 August 2021 was celebrated last week.

Minister of Ports and Shipping Rohitha Abeygunawardena and SLPA Chairman Capt. Nihal Keppetipola were the key speakers at the occasion. The main event was held at the Port Sambuddhatva Jayanthi Chaithya premises with the emphasis on Buddhist religious activities, followed by other religious activities in their respective locations.

Addressing the event, Minister of Ports and Shipping Rohitha Abeygunawardena stated that on the occasion of the 42nd anniversary, all plans should be made with a good understanding of the past, future and present activities of the institution.

From this day onwards, all public servants are required to report to work in accordance with the circular issued by the Government with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic. In accordance with these guidelines, SLPA states that it is in the national interest to continue its operations as it did at the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Minister also said that it is required to implement projects such as the East Container Terminal (ECT) and the West Container Terminal (WCT) of the Port of Colombo as well as the future plans of the SLPA.

Speaking on the occasion, SLPA Chairman Capt. Nihal Keppetipola said that although the current pandemic situation was a challenge to everyone, on the 42nd anniversary he was confident that SLPA would always be able to overcome all challenges with the able potential of the human resources in all sectors of the institution. He also said that he would take all necessary steps to improve welfare and infrastructure facilities of the SLPA and paying attention in resolving issues in delays in promotions, transfers and correcting and rectifying salary anomalies faced by employees. 

“Since port operation is a global activity, we need to be competitive and work closely with the international maritime activities, paving way to making Sri Lanka the Maritime Hub of South Asia,” he said.

He further said that development activities including the ECT and WCT would be expedited.  Ministry of Ports and Shipping Secretary U.D.C. Jayalal, State Ministry of Warehouse Facilities, Container Yards, Port Supply Facilities and Boats and Shipping Industry Development Secretary D.D. Matharaarachchi, Ministry of Ports and Shipping Additional Secretary (Administration and Finance) H.M.L.S. Herath, Ministry of Ports and Shipping Additional Secretary (Development) K.N. Kumari Somarathna, Sri Lanka Ports Authority Vice Chairman Dr. Prasantha Jayamanna, Managing Director Upul Jayatissa, Additional Managing Director (Technical) Susantha Abeysiriwardena, directors, heads of divisions, section heads, executive staffs, employees and trade union representatives were also present at the event.

SLPA Chairman Capt. Nihal Keppetipola addressing the occasion