CASA commends action taken to make Hambantota Port operational and viable

The Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) congratulates the Minister of Ports and Shipping and the Government of Sri Lanka, for finalising the Public Private Partnership Agreement between the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and China Merchants Ports International Ltd. to operate the Hambantota Port.This historic agreement will create many opportunities, besides shipping and logistics, in developing the Southern Province, creating employment opportunities for the people of Sri Lanka amongst many other benefits to the economy. 

The Port of Hambantota, which is in close proximity to the main East-West sea lane has tremendous potential of attracting vessels for bunkering, ship supply services, transhipment of bulk cargo, project cargo and vehicles. CASA hopes that the new operating company will be able to market Hambantota port aggressively and attract new business. CASA too will encourage its members to promote the port of Hambantota.

CASA also wishes to express its appreciation to the decision made by the Minister to fast track the operation of East Container Terminal. The operationalising of the East Container Terminal is very important to maintain the Port of Colombo as the Transhipment hub for the South West Asian region. With the three main alliances deploying larger vessels on its main east west routes, the need for deeper draft berths is even more important to attract these mega vessels into Colombo. A further delay in operationalising the East Container Terminal will result in the shipping alliances using other hubs instead of Colombo. 

CASA the voice of the shipping industry assures its fullest support in the various activities planned by the Ministry of Ports and Shipping and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority to develop the ports and shipping sector in Sri Lanka. 

CASA look forward to actively engaging in discussions with the Ministry of Ports and Shipping, Sri Lanka Ports Authority and the other stake holders to promote Sri Lanka as a maritime hub.