Port’s performance pops up in Parliament

By Ashwin Hemmathagama  

Our Lobby Correspondent

The performance of the Colombo port as well as Sri Lanka Ports Authority came under scrutiny in Parliament following a question raised by UNP MP Ravi Karunanayake.

Container movement during the three months period November 2012 – January 2013at Port of Colombo has declined by 2.1% compared with the year before, “although the recent remarks of Minister of Ports and Highways Rohitha Abeygunawardena said otherwise.

“This is a deliberate attempt” to cover the losses, exposed opposition legislator Ravi Karunanayake last week in Parliament.

“India has reduced the transshipments channeled through Sri Lanka. But you have built several ports with high capacity. So, from where do you plan to meet the container shortfall and avoid the losses?” challenged MP Karunanayake.

“You can raise an objection with the Speaker if the statistics tabled at Parliament are incorrect. We are looking at the anticipated growth and the future demand for marine industry. Existing facilities at Port of Colombo are inadequate for Sri Lanka to be competitive in the Asian region. Our target is to be within the top ten ports in the world,” responded Minister Abeygunawardena who failed to justify the “2.1% decline” highlighted.

According to SLPA, the total current and non-current liabilities of all three ports - Port of Colombo, Port of Trincomalee, and Port of Galle stands at Rs.135.6 billion against the net profit of Rs.583 million reported in 2011 and was increased to Rs.7,213 million up to June last year.