Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
Tuesday, 31 March 2026 06:19 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
By Charumini de Silva
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Additional Managing Director – Technical J.A.Chandrarathne
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Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) yesterday said that it has moved to reassure stakeholders of uninterrupted operations despite heightened fuel demand triggered by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
Addressing the media, SLPA Additional Managing Director – Technical J.A. Chandrarathne said it has secured sufficient energy resources to sustain operations across all major ports, even as fuel consumption patterns shift in response to global supply uncertainties.
He noted that the authority’s monthly diesel requirement, primarily for tugboats, cranes and prime movers has increased from 1.5 million litres to 2.5 million litres. Daily consumption has also risen from around 26,000 litres to nearly 39,000 litres, reflecting precautionary operational adjustments amid disruptions to global fuel supply chains.
“The Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC) and the Energy Ministry have assured continuous fuel supply, not only for port machinery, but also for employee transportation, which remains critical to maintaining round-the-clock port activities,” Chandrarathne said.
Despite external pressures, he said port operations have remained largely stable. “Container volumes across terminals at the Port of Colombo have recorded a 10–15% increase, indicating sustained throughput activity. However, there’s a slight slowdown in domestic cargo inflows,” he added.
He asserted that the export volumes have not declined, but shown signs of stagnation in its growth amidst rising fuel costs and heightened uncertainty in key maritime corridors.
Chandrarathne said regional ports including Port of Galle, Port of Trincomalee and Port of Kankesanthurai have not reported any additional diesel requirements, suggesting that current allocations remain sufficient to meet operational needs.
The assurances come at a time when global shipping and logistics networks are under strain due to rerouted vessels, rising fuel costs and heightened uncertainty in key maritime corridors. Against this backdrop, the SLPA’s ability to maintain operational continuity is seen as critical to safeguarding trade flows and economic stability.
