Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) commenced work in the new year 2023 with religious initiatives at its Sri Sambuddhathwa Jayanthi Chaithya premises. The main function was held with the initiative of Hon.Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation – Nimal Siripala de Silva and the Chairman of SLPA – Mr. Keith D.Bernard.
Expressing views at the occasion, the Hon. Minister emphasized that he would not hesitate to take all measures for the progress of Sri Lanka Ports Authority and securing industrial peace. He said that he expected positive dedication of all to make the institution’s development process a reality.
Expressing views at the occasion, the Chairman of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) – Mr.Keith D. Bernard said that everyone’s hope for the new year is filled with fresh thoughts for the improvement of personal and family life, institutional progress and finally as a country.
“The aspirations of all of you of the Sri Lanka Port Authority should be focused to attract more ships into our terminals than the previous year and to increase revenue. This will also strengthen the economy for all.
The Management and I will always be with you to take necessary decisions to fulfill those aspirations for the advancement of this institution.
Sri Lanka’s economy faced challenges and breakdowns due to the Covid-19 pandemic during the past few years.
However, the dedicated performance of our employees and staffs helped the institution to overcome those challenges. I am thankful to all of you for such dedicated performance in all spheres of work. I am proud to says, that as a result, we became a profitable public institution in last year too. The profits gained have been productively invested in the development of the East Container Terminal (ECT) which is of prime importance to all our employees for the long term development of this institution.
We must improve our TEU operations in 2023 over the previous years. We are also in the process of identifying various mechanisms and plans to increase our operational efficiencies and competencies. One such plan is to obtain 04 new Gantry cranes for the ECT, before end 2023.
We have also commenced a number of diverse projects aiming the development of this institution. Constructions of Stage V of the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) which at present is underway and expedited to be completed in the third quarter of 2023. This will enable operations of container vessels of medium size length that are difficult to be operated at the terminal right now.
It is imperative that we engage with the world and introduce state of the art modern technology. We must work together to develop sophisticated and smart computer and information systems to provide an excellent and efficient service and to attract more customers through such initiatives. We must take steps to employ modern machinery and equipment in all spheres of work and port operations. This will allow us to offer a more efficient service.
The most important above all is our human resource. My responsibility is to ensure your job and professional satisfaction. I believe that your job satisfaction is imperative towards the development of this institution. We expect to take a number of measures for the professional development of all of you in 2023. A human resource with relevant up to date knowledge is always an invaluable asset to us. My objective is to upgrade your knowledge and your personal development. Our objective through all the activities is to extend quality, efficient and productive service and place Sri Lanka Ports Authority at the top most level in the international shipping, maritime and logistics industry,” the Chairman of SLPA – Mr.Keith D. Bernard said.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation – Mr.K.D.S.Ruwanchandra, Vice Chairman of SLPA – Mr. Gayan Algewattege, SLPA’s Additional Managing Director ( Technical) – Mr.Susantha Abeysiriwardena, Actg.Additional Managing Director ( Administration and Operations) – Mr.Prabath Jayantha, Directors, Heads of Divisions, Executive Officials, a large number of employees, staffs and trade union representatives also attended the occasion.
Featured Image – Hoisting the National flag, port flag and Buddhist flag to commence work in the new year 2023 at Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). Hon.Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation – Nimal Siripala de Silva, Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation – Mr.K.D.S.Ruwanchandra and the Chairman of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) – Mr. Keith D.Bernard are in the pic.
