Work on East Container Terminal Phase II to start this week

Ports and Shipping Minister Rohitha Abegunawardena 

 Sri Lanka Ports Authority Chairman Capt. Nihal Keppetipola

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) commenced duties in the new year on 3 January on a religious note with the initiative of Ports and Shipping Minister Rohitha Abegunawardena and Chairman Capt. Nihal Keppetipola at the Sri ‘Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Chaithya’ premises.

Expressing views at the occasion, the Minister said that despite challenges of the previous year, steps would be taken to make Sri Lanka a country reawakened by focusing on developed countries and their success stories. 

He also said that Phase II of the East Container Terminal (ECT) of the Port of Colombo (POC) that was constructed under the implantations of the National Policy Framework Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was scheduled to be commenced on 12 January this year, and parallel to such, plans had already been made to expedite the constructions of the West Container Terminal (WCT). 

Expressing views at the occasion, the SLPA Chairman said that 2022 was identified as a year to fulfil a number of aspirations missed by the trade and shipping industry, the country and the world as a whole. He said that in the face of the COVID-19 global pandemic, being the heart of Sri Lanka, the Port of Colombo succeeded to continue port activities and operations to feed the national economy and efficient, dedicated and productive service of all employees of SLPA was commended for securing and safeguarding the credibility kept by the port’s local and international customers and clients.  

Emphasising the objectives aimed at, in the new year, the SLPA Chairman said that schedules had already been made to expedite all activities to expand the operational capacity of the Port of Colombo. 

Capt. Keppetipola expressed his gratitude to the President, Prime Minister and Ports and Shipping Minister for their guidance and immense contribution towards making these initiatives and activities a success. The Chairman also thanked all employees and port trade unions for their participation in the process.

Ministry of Ports and Shipping Secretary U.D.C. Jayalal, State Ministry of Container Warehouse Facilities, Container Yards, Port Supply Facilities and Boats and Shipping Industry Development Secretary D.D. Mataraarachchi, SLPA Vice Chairman Dr. Prasantha Jayamanna, Managing Director Upul Jayatissa, Additional Managing Director (Technical) A.A.S.R. Abeysiriwardana, a number of directors of SLPA, heads of divisions, executive officers, employees and port trade union representatives were also present at the event.