Sri Lanka Ports Authority celebrates 36th anniversary

SLPA Chairman Dr. Lakdas Panagoda

Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) celebrated its 36th anniversary on 1 August. A special function was held at the ‘Sri Sambuddajayanthi Chaithya’ premises in commemoration of the event with the initiative of Minister of Ports and Shipping Arjuna Ranatunga.

Speaking at the occasion SLPA Chairman Dr. Lakdas Panagoda stated that as a Sri Lankan he was pleased to see that SLPA was making an enormous contribution to the economy and the development of Sri Lanka. He said that the effort and the commitment of the employees in fulfilling this task was greatly appreciated.

“We are very pleased that the SLPA, with the dawn of 2015 has been able to increase the salary of employees by 15% with an additional allowance of Rs. 9,000,” he said.

The Port of Colombo continues to meet the challenges in the maritime sector successfully and two new main shipping lines started using the Port this year. During the first six month of this year the number of vessels calling at the port increased by 12.7% and the cargo tonnage increased by 2.8%. Container handling increased by 6.4%. The infrastructure is being developed significantly and much is being done to improve the welfare of the employees. Plans are being implemented to increase productivity. 

Speaking at the occasion, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports and Shipping L.P. Jayampathy, stated that he was pleased to participate in the celebration and offered his best wishes. He also stated that all should work as a team towards the future development of the institution.

Vice Chairman of SLPA Capt. Asitha Wijesekara, Executive Director Ashoka Gunasekara, Additional Managing Director Janaka Kurukulasuriya, Director (Finance) Shirani Wanniarchchi, Director (Operations) Upali de Soyza, Director (Technical) Datta Gunasekara and a number of executive officers and employees also attended the event.