SLPA commemorates 35th anniversary

Monday, 4 August 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) on 1 August commemorated its 35th anniversary with a resolve to further develop the entire maritime industry of the country for sustainable existence in the maritime sector, with rapid globalisation and amidst challenging competitions between international ports. Following the guidelines set in the ‘Mahinda Chinthana’ policy document of the Government of President Mahinda Rajapaksa and instructions extended by Minister of Highways, Ports and Shipping (Projects) Rohitha Abegunawardhana, the 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.

Parallel to the 35th anniversary and under the new development plans within the premises, the new Fire Brigade Unit was opened with the initiative of Minister Abeygunawardhana and SLPA Chairman Dr. Priyath B.Wickrama at the port premises. In a special message at the anniversary celebrations, Dr. Wickrama said that the contribution of the SLPA has been vital in every sphere of socioeconomic development of the country. “Under the ‘Vision 2020’ of the SLPA, the institution has aimed at operating 200 million tons of port cargo by 2020. The Colombo Port Expansion project that has already begun operations and further constructions as well as expansions aims to facilitate the mega container vessels of the future generation. The Colombo Port City Development Project that has been implemented under oncoming development plans of SLPA will enable to bring further international investments to ease economic efficiencies,” he said. At present SLPA is also strengthening its implementations for all port users to enable all transactions via a centrally computerised network. A general cargo management system is also underway to computerise activities at the Conventional Cargo operation section. The HRIS implementation for all employees will also be extended with the establishment of kiosk machines that are similar to ATMs to further ease the personalised applications of all staff and employees of the institution.