The new board of directors of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority have been given time to present their plans for the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) project and the development of other key ports, Ports, Shipping and Southern Development Minister Sagala Ratnayaka said.
The Minister told the media at the Colombo Port after a brief observation tour on Thursday, that he also expected a report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on the matter.
“I will make final decisions on the ECT and other important matters concerning the ports sector after studying the two reports. This, however, will not take long. The new board of directors will work expeditiously on the matter,” the Minister said responding to media queries on the future of the ECT project.
“These are our national assets and we have to develop them fast and in a manner that benefits the economy,” Ratnayaka said, laying out his general policy on the project that sparked controversy during the latter part of the pre-October 26 Government.
The Government has plans to develop the Colombo Port’s East Container Terminal to be the largest and deepest container terminal in South Asia. However, the specifics of the implementation of the project are yet to be finalised.
He also said that the Sri Lanka Ports Authority would work with a results-oriented approach to maximise profits. “The Ports Authority does not rely on the Treasury for money. It generates revenue and pays taxes to the Treasury while abiding by government policy and the procurement process.”