The Colombo Port will be rebranded to position it better as a key port in the region, Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake told a gathering of chartered transport and logisticians last week in Colombo.
He said steps have been taken to develop a national marketing plan for the rebranding of the port and that all key stake holders will be consulted in drafting the national master plan.
The East Terminal of the Colombo Port will be developed to handle lager vessels which require a deeper draft. Currently the draft is 1,200 meters which cannot handle 1,400 meter draft ships.
“Plans are also afoot to launch the JCT Five going a step further from JCT Four under a modernization plan of the flagship terminal of the port. We will be purchasing the equipment soon,” Dr. Dissanayake said. He said timelines are very important to make dreams come true if not they would remain day dreams. “However, everything will be done in a transparent manner so that everyone will know what’s happening,” Dr. Dissanayake said.
The SLPA owns and manages seven ports of which the Colombo Port earns 90 percent of the revenue. “The Minister has asked me not to take the eyes away from the ball which is the Colombo Port, the revenue spinner,” Dr. Dissanayake said.