The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) is purchasing three Ships to Store (STS) cranes for the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT) 5 expansion, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Southern Development Sagala Rathnayaka said.
“SLPA, upon Cabinet approval, is now in the process of purchasing three STS cranes for the JCT 5 expansion..”he added.
Minister Rathnayaka said that the purchase is the first step in an accelerated expansion programme that caters to growing demand from customers.
“This will allow two 360-meter vessels to berth at the Colombo Port at the same time.”
Rathnayaka further said that the new infrastructure development drive would project Colombo as a more competitive port in the region and support its global ranking.
“The port must attract greater transshipment cargo traffic volume which will directly increase foreign exchange earnings.”
The Minister noted that in order to achieve this, the Colombo port must be more attractive than the other neighbouring ports in terms of finance, ease of doing business, and efficiency.
(LI)