Sri Lanka Ports Authority celebrates 45th anniversary

Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) celebrated its 45th  anniversary on 1 August at its Chithya premises with religious activities under the patronage of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva. 

Sri Lanka Ports Authority was established on 1 August 1979. Former Ports Minister late Lalith Athulathmudali took initiative on this. 

Accordingly, development of all commercial ports in Sri Lanka was vested upon Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) as mega development projects. The Port of Colombo, thereafter, was rapidly developed as a global container port.

The Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) of SLPA was built as the first container terminal of South Asia.

In its latest development measures, 06 STS cranes out of the total order have been established by now at the Colombo East Container Terminal (CECT) of SLPA. Operations at the terminal are smoothly taking place. It helps to increase the market share of SLPA. 

With the latest developments of the JCT, the terminal has been transformed to enable operation of bigger TEU vessels. 

Expressing views at the 45th anniversary of SLPA, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said that late Minister Lalith Athulathmudali was remembered with honour at the occasion.

“The Port should go ahead deviating from its traditional framework and abiding to public -private partnership (PPP) collaborations. Time has reached to face global competition despite political challenges,” he said.

A blood donation campaign was also held parallel to the 45th anniversary of SLPA.

SLPA Chairman Keith D. Bernard, Vice Chairman Gayan Algewattege, Managing Director Prabath J. Malavige, a number of higher officials of the Executive Staff and employees also participated at the event.