SLPA commences work in new year
Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA ) commenced duties in the new year on
01st January 2013 at a ceremony with Buddhist religious activities held
at its Chaithya Premises. Parallel to the event other religious
activities were also conducted at Catholic, Muslim and Hindu religious
premises at SLPA.
At a time several mega port development programmes are under way to
feed national socio-economic main-stream aiming greater prosperity in
the future, the year 2013 is marked an exclusive juncture at SLPA.
Dr. Priyath B. Wickrama, Chairman of SLPA addressing the
gathering. Additional Secretary (Port) Anuradha Wijekoon,
Private Secretary to the Minister of Ports and Highways,
Chandra Rajapaksa and the Managing Director of SLPA, Capt.
Nihal Keppetipola are also in the picture. |
Accordingly, the constructions of the second stage of Magam
Ruhunupura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port (MRMRP) in Hambantota will commence in
the new year. It is also expected to complete constructions of the new
industries at the new port. Port operations already commenced ,
especially the RO-RO operations at MRMRP will be further expanded.
The year 2013 will also bring several land mark events at the Colombo
Port Expansion Project (CPEP). Accordingly, the constructions of CICT,
the first terminal of the project will be completed and operations will
be commenced. It is also expected to complete the constructions of the
SLPA terminal being constructed at the project.
SLPA strongly believes that all infrastructure development activities
implemented at the ports around the country and the launch of an
effective human resource plan at the port sector are sure to bring
fruitful and long term benefits to all employees of the institution.
Expressing views at the occasion of commencing work in the new year,
Hon. Deputy Minister of Ports and Highways - Rohitha Abegunawardhana
said that the employees of SLPA have won recognition as a team working
with courage and strength amidst every sort of challenge before them. He
also wished all staff and employees of SLPA a prosperous year ahead.
Chairman of SLPA - Dr. Priyath B. Wickrama stated that SLPA has
obtained tremendous achievements of developmental goals last year
compared to 2011. "The Container handling capacity has been up by 3.9 %
whilst the total operations have been up by 1 %. SLPA has also taken a
number of steps to boost institutional efficiency within. Priority has
been given to commence up to diploma level training programmes for the
employees at the institution," he said.
The Chairman also added that the new technology utilized at SLPA for
port operations have attracted better and fruitful coordination with the
port user community. Dr. Priyath B. Wickrama, Chairman of SLPA also
appreciated the good work and support extended by all staff members and
employees towards achieving greater institutional goals at SLPA.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Ports and Highways, Ranjith Pemasiri,
Additional Secretary (Port) - Anuradha Wijekoon, Private Secretary to
the Minister of Ports and Highways - Chandra Rajapaksa, Managing
Director of SLPA - Capt.Nihal Keppetipola, Additional Managing Director
- Norman Weerarathne, a number of higher officers, staff members,
employees and Trade Union Representatives of SLPA also participated at
the occasion. |