Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has recorded a growth of 12.9% TEUs in transshipment operations from January to November last year compared to the same period of 2012. According to SLPA Chairman, Dr Priyath B. Wickrama, the SLPA has also shown a 1.5% growth in domestic operations making the total growth of 8.3 in TEU operations.

In a statement coinciding with the beginning of the new year, Dr Wickrama said that the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) of SLPA recorded 9,884 TEU operations which was its highest ever operations within a day on November 2, 2013, whilst making the highest ever record of 2,35,750 TEU operations in one month in July last year. In 2013 SLPA took steps to attract container vessels belonging to seven major shipping lines at the JCT.

"We should appreciate the efficiency of all employees of SLPA including the staff and employees of the JCT for their dedicated performance to upgrade the productivity of all operations," Dr Wickrama noted.

Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has taken all trends of the international maritime sector into serious consideration in making and developing its future plans and strategies. The Colombo Port Expansion Project (CPEP) was commenced as a fruitful measure in this regard and SLPA is working towards building its East Terminal to commence operations in the near future.

Accordingly, a 400m terminal and a container yard facility will be constructed under phase I with a project cost of US $ 80 million.

The new terminal will be equipped with facilities to cater the largest and mega container vessels that would join the international maritime fleet during the coming years.

The internal access road network within SLPA is also being rapidly developed with six lanes from Gate No 1 up to Ingurukade Junction. At present constructions of the Unity Container Terminal has been accomplished with the aid of the Government of Japan. Initial plans to construct the 25 storied administrations building for SLPA are also underway.

SLPA in its port city urban development plans and business diversification plans has also planned to construct a Colombo Port City Development Project filling a land area of 233 hectares in the ocean area in close proximity to the port premises.

With the facilities of international level mega shopping malls, hotels and housing facilities to be leased out on this new project SLPA expects to collect huge revenues to the national development.