Pioneering service to nourish national economy added glory: SLPA Chairman

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) held a special function with all religious activities on the 2 August 2012 in commemoration of its 33rd anniversary that fell on 1 August 2012.

Speaking at the occasion, SLPA Chairman Dr. Priyath B. Wickrama stated that the institution, with the timely guidelines extended by President Mahinda Rajapaksa and with the instructions and support by the Ministry of Ports and Highways and all staff members of the higher management as well as employees of SLPA, had won excellent achievements during the past period pioneering to nourish national economy.

“Sri Lankan ports should further be strongly developed for their sustainable existence in the maritime sector, with rapid globalisation and amidst challenging competitions between international ports,” he emphasised.

Deputy Minister of Ports and Highways Rohitha Abegunawardhana expressing views at the occasion said that all challenges and complaints raised against SLPA and its developmental programmes had been successfully and positively countered proving the capability of the institution to cater towards making Sri Lanka the maritime hub in the entire region.

Following the guidelines set out in the ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ policy document of the Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and instructions extended by Abegunawardhana, SLPA’s timely implementations during the past few years to develop its ports in Colombo, Hambantota Galle and Oluvil saw successful progress with winning achievements to keep the glory of the country being developed as the next maritime hub in the region at an apex in the international arena.

SLPA Managing Director Capt. Nihal Keppetipola, SLPA Vice Chairman Indika Karunajeewa, SLPA Additional Managing Director Norman Weerarathne, Private Secretary to the Minister of Ports and Highways Chandra Rajapaksa, SLPA heads of divisions, staff members, Trade Union representatives and employees as well as a number of officials of the Ministry of Ports and Highways were also present at the occasion to mark the 33rd anniversary of Sri Lanka Ports Authority.