Responding to queries from the audience at a seminar conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in association with the Academy for Internal Trade and Transport, held on the November 21 at the Waters Edge, the Additional Managing Director of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), Capt. Nihal Keppetipola said that the Sri Lanka Ports Authority has been capitalizing its strategic location so far.

“Sri Lanka Ports Authority has been capitalizing on the strategic location of Sri Lanka and we can’t be content with this concept alone in the future as this strength is gradually diminishing.

He said that commerce and ports are growing rapidly globally and in the sub continent, and in order to keep abreast of the global trend and emerge as a “total package port” Colombo needs to rise from the “basic traditional service port” to a “superior service port”. Whilst moving ahead with SLPA’s strategic management and infrastructure plan to capture the container volume growth, he stressed that value addition is the key emerge as a leading service hub in the region. He also noted that all stakeholders should contribute conscientiously towards this aspiration, rather than working in isolation, it’s time for institutions to work together in strategizing the development of a logistics hub in Sri Lanka.

“We should combine Colombo in to a transshipment mega port, EXIM service port and a Logistic Center Port”, the Additional Managing Director said.

Mr. Upul Jayatissa the adapted Marketing Manger of SLPA assisted Capt. Nihal Keeppetipola at this seminar.