Maritime and logistics hub:

SLPA on target

The SLPA is target on to emerge as the maritime and logistics hub in the region, SLPA Chairman Dr Priyath B Wickrama.

Dr Wickrema addressing the gathering

Sri Lanka Ports Authority Chairman Dr Priyath B Wickrama delivered a special speech at the P B Karandawela Memorial Lecture on strategies for Port related logistics development following Colombo South Port and Hambantota Port developments.

The lecture was organized by the Council of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport - Sri Lanka.

Dr Wickrama said the invaluable contribution made by P B Karandawela to the maritime and transport section in Sri Lanka, should be honoured all the time. "Karandawela is regarded as the architect of development of maritime sector in the country through the services rendered by him," he said.

He said the vision of the Government is to transform Sri Lanka into a strategically important economic centre.

The policy document has emphasized that the port sector has to play a key role to develop Sri Lanka as a maritime hub of the region.

The Chairman said in view of the rapid development in all sectors of economy the role which has to be played by the sea ports has become extremely important.

"Due to the geographical advantage in terms of location it is expected that volume of transshipment cargo and containers will be increased within the next few years.

In addition, import and export of local cargo by way of machinery, raw materials and intermediary goods that are required for various new industries and the export of manufacturing goods, agricultural products and all other similar products will also be increased," he said.

On November 18 last year the Magam Ruhunupura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port was opened and SLPA is planning to open the Oluvil Port in the Eastern region, this year. The Colombo Port Expansion Project is scheduled to be completed by 2013.

The SLPA Chairman said following the successful achievement of all these projects, the SLPA was target on to emerge as the maritime and logistics hub in the region by 2010.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Sri Lanka Chairman Prof Amal Kumarage, SLPA Managing Director Capt Nihal Keppetipola Senior SLPA officials and members of the Council to CILT and the Shipping trade were also present at the occasion.