September 17, 2020: New warehouse facilities, fuel storage tanks, and a docking bay will be among measures taken to promote Colombo Port as a transshipment hub, the president’s office said.
According to a statement, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa expressed his intention at a discussion with officials yesterday to develop Sri Lanka’s ports to attract some of the larger cargo vessels of the world, each with a capacity of 24,000 containers.
The government is also looking to upgrade reshipment handling capacity, “offering warehouse facilities and container terminals as well as supply facilities of international standards,” the statement said.
Constructing new warehouse facilities in Ratmalana, Peliyagoda and Veyangoda to promote Colombo Port as a transshipment hub was also discussed, in addition to fuel storage tanks to supply fuel to vessels. The President also authorised the construction of a docking bay in Beruwala to facilitate the launch of large boats into the sea, his office said.
“It is necessary to expand manufacturing, repairs and maintenance of ships and boats targeting the global market. The expansion of facilities to exchange naval staff centering main ports is also important,” the statement quoted Rajapaksa as saying.
Source: economy next
