A high-level delegation led by Mr Shohei Hara, Senior Vice President of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), visited Colombo Port yesterday to assess the progress of current operations and review the impact of previous JICA-funded projects. Mr Hara was accompanied by Mr T Yamada, Chief Representative of JICA Sri Lanka, and Mr Y Hirota, a Senior Representative from JICA’s Institute of Developing Economies (IDE), along with other senior officials from the JICA Sri Lanka office.
The visit focused on evaluating key infrastructure projects previously funded by JICA, such as the Jaya Container Terminal and the Unity Container Terminal. These initiatives have been instrumental in enhancing the operational efficiency and capacity of Colombo Port, which serves as a vital hub for regional maritime trade.
The delegation was given a comprehensive tour of the port facilities by officers from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). During the visit, SLPA officers, including Harbour Master Captain Nirmal Silva, Director of Operations Ms Zavia Miskin, and Director of Logistics Mr Nirmal Fonseka, provided a detailed briefing on the port’s current status, challenges, and future plans.
Mr Shohei Hara and his team expressed their appreciation for the efforts made by the SLPA to maximise the impact of JICA-funded projects. They also reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s port infrastructure, which plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic growth and connectivity.
The visit concluded with discussions on potential future collaborations aimed at further enhancing the port’s capacity and sustainability.
