The Hon.Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva instructed to expedite stalled development activities of the expansion work at the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT). The Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) is the oldest terminal solely owned by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). The Minister extended these instructions at a special inspection visit at the terminal yesterday 27.12.2022).
The Minister also pointed out the delays in the project and instructed the Ministry Secretary to notify immediately the Chinese company in charge of reclamation and terminal construction to accomplish all activities as agreed and in time.
The Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) presently with a length of 1260m will be of 1380m after successful competition of ongoing expansion, enabling two 360m vessels to have berth at the same time. At present, the JCT operates 20,00,000TEUS per annum which will be increased by an additional 10,00,000TEUS after completion of constructions, the port employees pointed out.
The total construction will utilize a cost of USD 32 million that will be fully facilitated through port savings.
Constructions of the East Container Terminal (ECT) are also underway parallel to the expansion work of the JCT. “During the next five years, South Asia will recognize the Port of Colombo as a unique port in the region”, the Minister said.
Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation – Mr. K.D.S.Ruwanchandra, SLPA Chairman – Mr.Keith Bernard, SLPA Vice Chairman – Mr.Gayan Algewattege, officials of SLPA and several port trade union representatives also attended the event.
