ECT construction carried out despite current economic crunch

The constructions of the East Container Terminal (ECT) at the Colombo Port are being carried out successfully despite the current economic crunch, said Chairman of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Dr. Prasantha Jayamanna at the 43rd Anniversary of the SLPA at the Sri Sambuddhathva Jayanthi Chaithya premises with the emphasis on religious activities.

“At a time, most of the infrastructure projects are compelled to cease construction work, we have been able to carry out all our project works with no hindrance at all. We have initiated all steps to purchase essential machinery and equipment for the East Container Terminal (ECT).”

“Meanwhile, projects to develop the Ports of Galle and Trincomalee are also underway,” he said.

“At a time when the whole country was at a standstill, due to the global Covid-19 pandemic operations of the Port of Colombo did not cease even for seconds in the last three years when it was impossible to carry out the work in the whole country. It was our strength, the strength of the management, staff, all employees, and the collaborative assistance of other terminals at the Port of Colombo,” he said.

The Chairman said that the SLPA was a public institution that had a mission to fulfill a national requirement of nourishing the economy and therefore, all its employees were also part of a national task force.

The Chairman said that the Port of Colombo had made 2021 a record year, emphasizing the fact that nearly 7.25 million containers were handled, the ever largest number of containers handled within a year. “The performance in the first quarter of 2022 was outstanding as we have achieved more performance than last year,” he said.

Secretary to the Ministry of Ports and Shipping, K. D. S. Ruwanchandra said that the efficient performance of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority had greater potential to strengthen the national economy to bring higher benefits to the people of the country. “It is essential that the benefits of the country’s natural geographical location are passed onto future generations. I would like to request SLPA’s management, staff and employees to increase their commitment even a little higher than last year to further enhance productivity and also request our port trade unions to support this effort,” he said.