At an exclusive meeting held with the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) on July 7, 2021 at Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), Capt.Nihal Keppetipola, Chairman of SLPA stated that steps would be taken to expedite work at the East Container Terminal (ECT) of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).
The challenges facing the shipping industry due to the current Covid-19 pandemic were also discussed at the meeting. Here, the views and proposals of SLPA as well as CASA were taken into consideration to overcome these challenges. The contribution of the (CASA) towards the development of the Port of Colombo was also commended at these discussions.
Speaking at the occasion, Capt. Nihal Keppetipola said that the immense support extended by CASA in this regard was highly appreciated by SLPA and personally himself. He also said that the Port of Colombo would further improve all facilities required to carry out the services efficiently and with maximum productivity.
Members of the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents’ (CASA) Executive Committee and the Advisory Council warmly welcomed the Chairman back to SLPA and pledged to extend their fullest support in the ports and shipping sector to make Sri Lanka the Maritime Hub of South Asia.
The SLPA Chairman stated that he hoped to submit comments and proposals immediately for the improvement of maritime facilities in the Port of Colombo in line with the Government’s National Policy Framework, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ in order to expedite the construction of the ECT owned by the SLPA in developing Sri Lanka as the Maritime Hub in South Asia. He said, accordingly, a process would also be implemented to expedite the procurement and purchasing of machinery required to expedite the running of the ECT.
The Chairman further emphasized that the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) would provide immediate assistance to expedite the constructions of the West Container Terminal (WCT) of the Port of Colombo, keeping in line with the government’s policy decisions.
SLPA’s Vice Chairman – Dr. Prasantha Jayamanna, Managing Director – Mr. Upul Jayatissa, SLPA Directors, Heads of Divisions, Harbour Master Capt.Nirmal P. Silva, CASA’s Chairman Mr. Iqram Cuttilan of Aitken Spence Shipping Ltd., Vice Chairperson – Ms. Shehara De Silva of McLarens Shipping Ltd., and Members of its Executive Committee and the Advisory Council were also present at the occasion.
