Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA ) commenced duties in the new year on 1st January 2013 at a ceremony with Buddhist religious activities held at its Chaithya Premises. Parallel to the event other religious activities were also conducted at Catholic, Muslim and Hindu religious premises at SLPA.
At a time several mega port development programmes are under way to feed national socio-economic main-stream aiming greater prosperity in the future, the year 2013 is marked an exclusive juncture at SLPA. Accordingly, the constructions of the second stage of Magam Ruhunupura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port (MRMRP) in Hambantota will commence in the new year. It is also expected to complete constructions of the new industries at the new port. Port operations already commenced , especially the RO-RO operations at MRMRP will be further expanded.
The year 2013 will also bring several land mark events at the Colombo Port Expansion Project (CPEP). Accordingly, the constructions of CICT, the first terminal of the project will be completed and operations will be commenced. It is also expected to complete the constructions of the SLPA terminal being constructed at the project.
SLPA strongly believes that all infrastructure development activities implemented at the ports around the country and the launch of an effective human resource plan at the port sector are sure to bring fruitful and long term benefits to all employees of the institution.
Expressing views at the occasion of commencing work in the new year, Hon. Deputy Minister of Ports and Highways – Rohitha Abegunawardhana said that the employees of SLPA have won recognition as a team working with courage and strength amidst every sort of challenge before them. He also wished all staff and employees of SLPA a prosperous year ahead.
Chairman of SLPA – Dr. Priyath B. Wickrama stated that SLPA has obtained tremendous achievements of developmental goals last year compared to 2011. “ The Container handling capacity has been up by 3.9% whilst the total operations have been up by 1 %. SLPA has also taken a number of steps to boost institutional efficiency within. Priority has been given to commence up to diploma level training programmes for the employees at the institution, ” he said.
The Chairman also added that the new technology utilized at SLPA for port operations have attracted better and fruitful coordination with the port user community. Dr.Priyath B.Wickrama – Chairman of SLPA also appreciated the good work and support extended by all staff members and employees towards achieving greater institutional goals at SLPA .
The Secretary of the Ministry of Ports and Highways – Mr.Ranjith Pemasiri, Additional Secretary (Port) – Mr.Anuradha Wijekoon, Private Secretary to the Hon. Minister of Ports and Highways – Mr.Chandra Rajapaksa, Managing Director of SLPA – Capt.Nihal Keppetipola, Additional Managing Director – Mr.Norman Weerarathne, a number of higher officers, staff members, employees and Trade Union Representatives of SLPA also participated at the occasion.
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Source: slpa, January 2, 2013