Ports Minister calls for open discussion to resolve maritime issues

Minister of Ports and Shipping Arjuna Ranatunga emphasized the need for an open discussion to resolve ports and maritime sector issues.

Addressing the first meeting of the Inter-Agency Coordination Committee on Ports, Shipping and Maritime Affairs yesterday, he said all the information, regulations and policies in the sector should be updated to meet the current requirements.

 The organization has been established by a Parliamentary Act which was extended by the Minister of Ports and Shipping.  The committee aims to formulate and review policies, programs and projects relating to the Ports, Shipping and Maritime sector.

 “We successfully concluded our first meeting. The committee would provide us a platform to discuss inter-agency issues and provide solutions. We hope to meet once a month. We can discuss our problems at the meeting and provide quick solutions to them,” the Minister asserted.

The Ministry Secretary, L.P. Jayampathi will be the convener of the meetings.

Jayampathi said the committee was established to enhance the communication between inter- agencies linked to the sector.

 “The concept of establishing an inter-agency coordination committee has been recognized as a major requirement by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). There are 400 to 500 ships usually calling at Sri Lankan ports.  Thus, the coordination among inter-agency is paramount to provide a qualitative service,” Jayampathi noted.