Thursday Apr 09, 2026
Thursday Apr 09, 2026
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SJB MP S.M. Marikkar (right) chairing the SOC on Infrastructure and Strategic Development
A Parliamentary Sectoral Oversight Committee (SOC) has raised concerns over non-compliance by senior officials and persistent losses at regional ports, even as the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) reported strong overall profitability.
At a recent sitting of the SOC on Infrastructure and Strategic Development, chaired by Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP S.M. Marikkar, members criticised the absence of the Ports Ministry Secretary, warning that repeated directives issued over the past six months had gone unanswered.
The Committee said the Secretary had failed to present required plans and financial details relating to key ports, including Galle, Trincomalee, and Kankesanthurai, and has now been formally summoned under parliamentary powers.
Officials have been instructed to submit a written explanation within a week, including reasons for the absence.
Despite governance concerns, the SLPA reported a strong financial performance in 2025, with Profit Before Tax (PBT) reaching Rs. 56 billion, reflecting a 20% increase, while net profit rose to Rs. 42 billion, marking a sharp 111% growth.
The Committee Chair acknowledged the progress, but stressed that the focus must shift towards improving underperforming assets and ensuring accountability across the sector.
The Committee also highlighted losses and underutilisation at several regional ports, particularly Port of Galle, which registered a loss of around Rs. 200 million.
However, officials pointed out that Galle also generates indirect value through marine-related services, contributing around Rs. 1.1 billion, including ship handling, water supply, and other support services for vessels operating in surrounding waters. Around 500 ships per month are serviced through these activities.
Authorities said plans are underway to seek private sector participation through a Request for Proposals (RFP) process, aimed at unlocking the Port’s commercial potential while maintaining transparency.
At Port of Trincomalee, officials noted investor interest but emphasised that future agreements would follow a structured and transparent framework, rather than ad hoc arrangements.
Meanwhile, Kankesanthurai Harbour (KKS) continues to operate at a loss, despite a reported increase in activity in 2025 compared to the previous year.
Committee members underscored that the broader objective is to either make loss-making State institutions profitable or at least reduce losses to sustainable levels.
They stressed the need for clearer strategic plans, improved transparency, and stronger institutional accountability, particularly within the Ports and Civil Aviation Ministry.
The Committee signalled that closer scrutiny will continue, as Parliament seeks to ensure that key national assets such as ports are managed efficiently and contribute meaningfully to the economy.
