Colombo Port to enhance capacity building
The US has become involved in capacity building of the Colombo Port by providing training for its employees with the aim of achieving a mega hub status in South Asia.
US Ambassador Julie Chung, addressing the launch of the Colombo Port Capacity Building project this week, stated that this is part of the commitment of the US to the development of Sri Lanka and indicates an openness to investment.
The Port of Colombo Capacity Building Project is being carried out together with Colombo Plan and the US Embassy.
This will ensure that there will be a more resilient Indo Pacific region as the seas and skies are governed by international laws, she said.
In addition, she pointed out that the three ships provided to the Sri Lanka Navy by the US will help in the freedom of navigation.
The US$553 million investment in the West Container Terminal (WCT) at the Colombo Port will help establish the largest deep water terminal in the region, the Ambassador said.
Port and Shipping Minister Nimal Siripala De Silva highlighted the need for a change in the mindset of the people to ensure economic progress in the country.
He noted that the landscape of the country needs to adapt itself accordingly to modern perceptions.
The Minister said that while the rest of the world has admired ‘our’ progress so far in coming out of the economic mess that ‘we’ were in, it is the citizens of this country that have not appreciated the achievements made by the government to date.
Sri Lanka requires policies, a strong leader and a clear attitude change from among the people of this country.
Colombo Plan Lead Consultant Rohan Masakorala speaking at the event said that this project is aimed at providing the required skills development of the human resources of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
Training will be provided over a period of three years for about 100 port employees across different sectors.
This will also include port visits to the Ports of Virginia, Washington and Long Beach in the US, he said.
Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA) Chairman Keith Bernard said that the Colombo Port has become the busiest port in the region today.