Steps will be taken to increase the efficiency of the Colombo Port to attract more shipping lines and transform it as a marketable service.

The local shipping industry suffered due to the global downturn as 10 percent of the total fleet was laid out, Chairman Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA) Dr. Priyath B. Wickrama said.

"We met senior officials of international shipping lines and now the situation has improved. A further improvement of the situation is expected next month ", he said. With the vision to consolidate Sri Lanka's position as the premier maritime logistics centre in the Asian region, the SLPA is working towards increasing profitability, efficiency and customer base by providing excellent services and world-class facilities, he said. The SLPA will add new services to the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT). It will also introduce a number of financial control procedures to steady the cash flows and a computer system to improve the productivity. The system will be on par with the world standards, he said.

"The terminal management system and the financial management system which were installed at the JCT will improve customer relationships. We also have a very good labour management system and a cordial dialogue with our workers. We have curtailed welfare activities with the support of our workers to cut down on cost", he said.

"We have improved container movements beyond 20 from 15-17 per hour. We have plans to reach 30 movements per hour in the near future. We need to be pro-business", he said.

"Our efforts should be to achieve a better Logistics Performance Index.

It is measured by customs procedures, logistics costs, infrastructure quality, the ability to tack and trace shipments, timeliness in reaching destinations and the competence of the domestic logistics industry. Our focus will be on optimal throughput.
(DN24082009)