Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) commenced its operations and duties for the new year offering priority to religious activities and the Pledge of Public Service on the 01st of January 2018. A programme was conducted to mark this at the Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi premises of SLPA with the initiative of Hon.Minister of Ports, Shipping and Southern Development Sagala Ratnayaka.
Expressing views at the occasion, Hon.Minister stated that the Port of Colombo has reached a victorious juncture in its operations through the achievement of 7 million TEUs in container operations by the end 2018. He further remarked that the most important factor in this regard was the dedicated contribution, honesty and efficient work procedures of all employees of SLPA and the Port of Colombo to elevate and maintain a sustainable productivity in the port.
Expressing views at the occasion, the Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Southern Development Dr.Parakrama Dissanayake said that it was a team achievement for the Port of Colombo to celebrate the handling of 7 millionth TEU in 2018 with the collaborative contribution and team work of the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT), South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) and the Colombo International Container Terminals(CICT).
According to Alphaliner records the Port of Colombo has reached the position of 22 from its previous position of 23. According to global maritime rankings the Port has also become the world’s number one port of growth amongst global container operating ports.
The Managing Director of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Capt.Athula Hewavitharana, Additional Managing Director of SLPA Mr.Upali De Zoysa, Directors, Heads of Divisions, Executive Staff Members, Trade Union Representatives and a number of employees were also present at the occasion.