Minister of Ports and Shipping, Rohitha Abeygunawardena, made two new appointments on 21.03.2022 to provide immediate solutions to employee grievances and to enhance industrial relations at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).
Accordingly, Mr. Sanjaya Kumara Weligama has been appointed the Director (Trade Unions and Employee Relations – Sri Lanka Ports Authority) and Mr. Shyamal Sumanaratne, the Assistant Secretary (Trade Unions and Industrial Relations – Ministry of Ports and Shipping). Letters of appointment were handed over at a function held in SLPA.
The appointments have been made by the Hon. Minister of Ports and Shipping in view of maintaining the industrial relations within the institution properly and efficiently by providing prompt solutions to the grievances and problems faced by the employees of SLPA.
Mr. Sanjaya Kumara Weligama, who serves at present, as President and Mr. Shyamal Sumanaratne, who serves as the Secretary of the Progressive Workers Union of the Commerce, Industry and Services affiliated to Sri Lanka People’s Front posses a long stood experience in the Ports and National Trade Union Movement.
Since, Minister of Ports and Shipping Rohitha Abeygunawardena started work in office, with a new vision and objective, steps are being taken to successfully redirect the activities of the national level projects and affiliated institutions of SLPA that had been inactive for a considerable period. All these activities are subjected to the supervision by the Hon. Minister and accordingly, suitable persons are appointed to fulfill common requirements.
Expressing views at the occasion, Minister of Ports and Shipping commended the contribution made by the trade unions the employees of SLPA in making the port operate efficiently and effectively.
“Everyone in SLPA should aim at dedicated performance to enhance its productivity and efficient operation, regardless personal opinions. Necessary steps should be taken to minimize expenses and increase revenue during this difficult time. And at present, the construction of the East Container Terminal is progressing efficiently,“ he said.
The Minister further stated that he would personally look into the steps required towards the ongoing developments of these projects. He also congratulated for the success of Mr. Sanjaya Kumara Weligama and Mr. Shyamal Sumanaratne who were appointed to their posts.
Minister of Energy Gamini Lokuge, State Minister of Container Warehouse Facilities, Container Yards, Port Supply Facilities and Boats and Shipping Industry Development – Lohan Ratwatte, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports and Shipping – U. D. C. Jayalal, Secretary of the State Ministry – D. D. Mataraarachchi, the SLPA Chairman – Dr. Prasantha Jayamanna, Managing Director – Upul Jayatissa, SLPA’s Directors, Heads of Divisions, Executive Officers, representatives of the Sri Lanka People’s Front affiliated trade union and a number of employees were also present at the occasion.
