Litmus test for port

Thursday, 4 August 2011 00:18 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Uditha Jayasinghe

Sri Lanka needs to concentrate on capacity expansion, efficiency, safety and security as well as protecting the environment if the country is to prosper as a maritime hub, says top international industry expert.

International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) Secretary General Sesumu Naruse told the media that even though global trade was recovering there is still much to be done within the industry.

He pointed out that shipment to and within South Asia is predicted to grow between 8.4 percent-11.1percent but that challenges remain. Drawing on the Singapore port as an example he remarked on how the industry is moving to automated services to provide faster services and that any up and coming harbour would also have to meet these standards.

Sri Lanka’s investment in ports is around US$ 3 billion and is planning to operate as a ports hub in the future. The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) is organising an international exhibition for the first time by partnering with IAPH, which has 200 members in 90 countries and 150 associate members that are mostly private companies.

Naruse was part of the press conference convened by the SLPA to announce plans to hold the first ever international air freight, shipping and logistics Expo in Sri Lanka.

Speaking at the gathering SLPA Chairman Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama expressed confidence in the future of the ports and shipping industry in Sri Lanka. “We must take the message of what Sri Lanka offers to the world. It is only then that we can get better opportunities. This exhibition is being organised to tell investors of what is available in Sri Lanka. At this point it is relevant to everyone.”

Dr. Wickrama also noted that on the sidelines of the the launch 12th International Association of Ports and Harbours Asia/Oceania Regional Meeting and Port Forum would be held to “exchange ideas and expertise.” The expo will be held at BMICH from 8-10 March 2012 while the forum would be held from 8-9 March 2012.

Expenses by the SLPA would not exceed Rs.10 million, assured the Chairman adding that several sponsors had already come forward as sponsors.