Bangladesh High Commissioner and SLPA Chairman explore enhanced port partnership

Monday, 5 May 2025 04:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

From left: SLPA Chief Manager – Marketing and Business Development Media Chitral Jayawarna, High Commission for the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Colombo Deputy Head/First Secretary Md. Jannatul Habib, Bangladesh High Commissioner Andalib Elias, SLPA Chairman Admiral (Retd.) Sirimewan Ranasinghe, Additional Managing Director – Operations Lal Weerasinghe, and Harbour Master Capt. Nirmal Silva

Bangladesh High Commissioner Andalib Elias recently held discussions with Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman Admiral (Retd.) Sirimewan Ranasinghe to discuss ways to deepen collaboration between the ports of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, with the aim of streamlining bilateral trade.

During the discussions, the SLPA Chairman outlined the ongoing development projects at the Port of Colombo (POC), particularly the progress of the Colombo East International Terminal. He emphasised Sri Lanka’s commitment to maintaining its status as South Asia’s leading transshipment hub. Once completed, the new terminal will boost the Port’s handling capacity by 15 million Twenty-Foot Equivalent Units (TEUs), significantly enhancing operational efficiency and regional connectivity.

High Commissioner Elias highlighted and appreciated the crucial role played by the POC as a main transshipment hub port to connect their supply chains with other continents, especially Europe and the east coast of Asia.

Both parties expressed optimism about the future of port-to-port cooperation, recognising the potential for increased trade, investment, and economic ties that would benefit both nations.