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Tuesday, 1 January 2013 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) commenced duties in the new year on 1 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.
Currently, several mega port development programs are under way to feed national socio-economic mainstream aiming for greater prosperity in the future and 2013 is marked as 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 have already commenced, with the RO-RO operations at MRMRP to be further expanded.
2013 will also bring about several landmark events at the Colombo Port Expansion Project (CPEP). Accordingly, the first terminal of the project will be completed and operations will commence. It is also expected to complete the constructions of the SLPA terminal being constructed as part of 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 in the port sector are sure to bring about fruitful and long term benefits to all employees of the institution.
Expressing views at the occasion of commencing work in the new year, Deputy Minister of Ports and Highways Rohitha Abegunawardhana said that the employees of SLPA have won recognition as a team that works with courage and strength amidst every challenge put 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 reached many 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 diploma level training programs for the employees at the institution,” he said.
He also added that the new technology utilised at SLPA for port operations have attracted better and fruitful coordination with the port user community. Wickrama 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 Ranjith Pemasiri, Additional Secretary (Port) Anuradha Wijekoon, Private Secretary to the Minister of Ports and Highways Chandra Rajapaksa, Managing Director of SLPA Capt. Nihal Keppetipola, Additional Managing Director Norman Weerarathne, a number of higher officers, staff members, employees and trade union representatives of SLPA also participated at the occasion.
