President approves construction of slipway in Beruwala

By Lahiru Pothmulla   

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa has approved the construction of a slipway in Beruwala to enable the launch of large vessels, the President’s Media Division said.   
He had given the approval at a meeting held to discuss the future plans of the State Ministry of Warehouse Facilities, Container Yards, Port Supply Facilities and Boats and Shipping Industry Development at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday.   

Speaking at the meeting, President Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka can be transformed into a key maritime hub due to its strategic location.   

He said harbour facilities could be developed by following measures taken by other developed harbours of the world.   

“We need to develop harbours to attract large vessels. The Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee, Kankesanthurai and Oluwil Harbours should be developed and upgraded so that they can provide facilities for international shipping,” the President said.   

He said the development of the Eastern and Western Container Terminals of the Colombo Harbour should be expedited.   

The PMD said discussions were made to transform Colombo Harbour as a transshipment hub and to develop new bunkering facilities in the Ratmalana, Peliyagoda and Veyangoda areas.   
Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena, State Minister Jayantha Samaraweera, Chief of the Presidential Task Force on Economic Revival Basil Rajapaksa, Secretary to the President Dr.P.B. Jayasundera, Secretaries to Cabinet and State Ministries and others were also present at the discussion.