SLPA celebrates 32nd anniversary

Tuesday, 2 August 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The 32nd Anniversary of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) was celebrated yesterday at the Chaithya Premises of SLPA with the initiative of Deputy Minister of Port and Highways Rohitha Abegunawardane and with priorities to religious activities.

Expressing views at the occasion Dr. Priyath B. Wickrama – Chairman of SLPA stated that currently a number of long awaited key issues have been accurately addressed to boost the efficiency and productivity of SLPA.

“We have fulfilled a long awaited requirement of purchasing new operation equipment of the JCT and currently, three new gantry cranes and six new transfer cranes have been purchased and utilized in operation, three more new gantry cranes and 24 transfer cranes are also scheduled to arrive here in the near future,” he said.

The chairman also said that the NAVIS system introduced at the SLPA has also been implemented for faster operations and the construction of a cargo village in Peliyagoda is also been taken into consideration as a task of priority.

He further commended all employees of SLPA who contributed immensely towards the success the institution has achieved through the past 32 years.

Upon the instructions and guidance of His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Magam Ruhun-upura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port Project is currently being successfully carried out and the constructions of terminals for general cargo and service facilities, breakwater, basin and a fuel terminal have been successfully completed.

Meanwhile, steps have also been taken to construct and upgrade infrastructure facilities at the Port of Colombo, extending priorities at the constructions of Colombo Port Expansion Project, Oluvil and Galle Ports as well. Parallel to the 32nd anniversary of SLPA constructions of widening the ‘Harthal Bridge’ was also commenced with the initiative of Deputy Minister of Port and Highways Rohitha Abegunawardane inside the port premises.

The new constructions would further facilitate the increased flow of container transportation in and out of the port.

Sujatha Cooray – Secretary of the Ministry of Port and Highways, Anura Jayawickrama - Additional Secretary of Ports, Chandra Rajapaksa – Private Secretary to Minister of Port and Highways, Indike Karunajeewa – Vice Chairman of SLPA, Capt. Nihal Keppetipola – Managing Director of SLPA, Norman Weerarathne – Additional Managing Director of SLPA, Prasanna Kalutharage – Working Director of SLPA, Executive Officers and higher officials of the Ministry of Ports and Highways and the SLPA, a number of staff members and employees of SLPA also attended the 32nd anniversary celebrations at the Chaithya Premises of SLPA.