Tug-boat fleet to boost SLPA efficiency: Minister Nimal Siripala

The tug-boat fleet commissioned recently will boost efficiency at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, according to Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva.

 “The fleet of tugs at the Port of Colombo should be strengthened to further boost efficiency of the maritime operations at the Port of Colombo (POC),” the Minister said following a recent inspection visit to the tug-boat section of SLPA.

The Minister further stated that the employees, staffs and the executive officers at the section emphasised the measures to be taken towards increasing efficiency of these operations and accordingly, instructions were extended to relevant authorities to take steps to add at least two more new tug-boats to the tug-boat fleet of the port, in addition to the seven tug-boats already in operation.

“Increasing the number of tug-boats at the port will increase the operational efficiency and enable ease of handling larger vessels calling at the port. It is my responsibility to boost efficiency at the Port to bring more foreign exchange as revenue into the country. Accordingly, I will take all necessary steps to expedite developmental activities inside the port,” the Minister said.

He also expressed his gratitude to all employees who are dedicated in their services amidst limited facilities at the port. Ports, Shipping and Aviation Ministry Secretary K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, SLPA Vice Chairman G.U.K. Algewattege, several executive officers and staff of the SLPA tug-boat section also joined the occasion.