Minister Nimal Siripala seeks trade union support to make Colombo Port competitive

• Assures completion of ECT despite dollar shortage

New Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva last week sought trade unions support to make Colombo Port competitive whilst helping to eradicate waste and corruption.

“Port sector is an essential area for the development of the country and to earn foreign exchange. At the same time, we are challenged by countries like Singapore and India. Therefore, if we do not make our ports efficient and dynamic, we will not be able to compete with the international community,” Minister Nimal Siripala said during a meeting with all trade unions of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).

“My objective is to expand this port into a port with a diverse staff effectively capable of competing with the international port sector and to develop this port to suit the future. We all should work together towards making necessary plans to fulfil this requirement,” the Minister added.

He said that the decision to meet the trade unions and their leaders on the first day of his duties was more important to his Ministry than any other consideration.  He said that despite all means of implementation, when the people at work are not satisfied and have no obligation or honesty towards their roles and duties for the country, not only the country but also the aspirations of the country would be destroyed without being fulfilled.

As a Minister, my foremost task is to identify the priorities of all those who work in the port and to work closely with them. The criticism levelled against every State institution in this country is waste, corruption and bribery. This can be stopped. I especially urge the trade union leaders to make me personally aware of any such waste, corruption, or bribery as a matter of responsibility. In my nearly 50 years of political life, I have never served relatives and I have not brought any of my relatives into politics.

Minister Nimal Siripala said he welcomed the efforts and actions waged against privatisation of certain pivotal arms of this institution and the achievements made thereby.

“I would also especially and appreciatively expect you all to be aware of any challenge that may arise when commencing the terminals through local investment as well. Now is the time for all of us to come together with an understanding of these practical issues and work together productively and effectively for which I look forward to your continued support,” the new Minister added.

Minister, as per his inspection, emphasised the need to continue the construction work on the ECT, also as pointed out by the SLPA administration and the trade unions. He said that the machinery required for these constructions would be ordered as soon as possible and accordingly, the construction work would be completed to commence operations as planned.

“Due to the dollar crisis, it has been difficult to seek finances needed for such constructions.  However, we would take all initiatives in completing the construction work within the stipulated time frame to operate the ECT as a terminal of the Government of Sri Lanka as soon as possible,” the Minister added.

Ministry Secretary U.D.C. Jayalal, SLPA Chairman Dr. Prasantha Jayamanna, Managing Director Upul Jayatissa and a number of key officials were associated with the Minister Nimal Siripala during his visit to Colombo Port and meetings with the management and trade unions.