The Ceremonial inauguration of the Diploma course in Marine Engineering for Engineering Cadets was held at the Mahapola Training Institute of  the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) on 23rd January 2009 under the distinguish patronage of Hon. Minister of Ports, Aviation, Irrigation and Water Management Chamal Rajapaksa. 

Addressing the audience Hon. Minister of Ports, Aviation, Irrigation and Water Management Chamal Rajapaksa stated that this was a basic step of establishing a Marine Training Institute under 'Mahinda Chinthana' programme to enable local students to obtain a locally and internationally recognized certificate in the sector. He said that, the course also opens, avenues for local students to acquire higher and professional education in the international marine sector in Sri Lanka. The Minister also expressed that the course had offered opportunities to more rural students to obtain international employment opportunities following the study course in the maritime sector for higher wages.  

This Diploma Course in Marine Engineering for Engineering Cadets has been launched by Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and Ceylon Shipping Corporation (CSC) as a collaborative professional and higher educational course. It is conducted as a 3 year study course directing students in both theoretical and practical training given in international vessels at times, under fullest supervision of CSC. University of Moratuwa also offers more facilities for the students enrolled in this course. Parallel to the other Marine courses of the same strength, the new Diploma Course in Marine Engineering for Engineering Cadets have offered a more concessionary  course fee enabling students to pay the  total course fees even under easy payments schemes.  

Expressing further views, Hon. Minister of Ports, Aviation, Irrigation and Water Management Chamal Rajapaksa stated that it was much pleasure to see that SLPA has kept growing in productivity and thanked the present Management of SLPA for their dedicated contributions. The  Minister also attended in issuing registration letters for the students selected and enrolled for the course.  

Expressing views at the occasion Chairman of SLPA Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama stated that besides current services rendered by SLPA, it also expected to extend its port services through the professional training of human resource in various Marine Engineering sectors via such programmes marking SLPA a focal point in supplying able and skilled professional mariners to the local and international maritime industry. He added that such steps would also strengthen our challenges in the international maritime sector amidst future economic crisis. 

Hon. Minister of Ports Development Dilan Perera, Hon. Deputy Minister of Aviation Sarath Kumara Gunerathne, Acting Secretary of the Ministry of Ports & Aviation Mr. K. V.P. Ranjith De Silva, Chairman of CSC Mr. Y.L.S. Hameed, Director General of Merchant Shipping Mr. Shantha Weerakoon, Executive Director of SLPA Dr. Sanjaya Sedara Senerath, Executive Director to CSC Mr. Mayantha Dissanayake, a number of higher officers of the Ministry of  Ports & Aviation and SLPA, Shipping agents, parents of students and distinguished guests also participated at this occasion.
(SLM-26012009)