Tugboat Nandimithra to be restored soon, Gotaimbara could be next

By Chaturanga Pradeep Samarawickrama   

Following instructions from Ports and Civil Aviation Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwaku, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has expedited repair work on the tugboat Nandimithra, which has been out of service since December 29, 2021.   
The Deputy Minister issued the directive during an inspection visit, made in response to requests from SLPA trade union members, urging officials to complete the renovations promptly and return the vessel to service.   
The tugboat operations department plays a crucial role in port activities, assisting ships entering and leaving the harbour. While the service is provided by both the SLPA and private operators, no new tugboats have been purchased for the SLPA since 2004. As a result, the existing fleet has deteriorated, hampering the authority’s ability to offer competitive services. Employees expressed their gratitude to Deputy Minister Kodithuwaku for his intervention, noting that Nandimithra’s return will strengthen operations. They also voiced hope that the tugboat Gotaimbara, which has been undergoing repairs for about three years, will be returned to service soon.   
With the cooperation of port management, including the Harbour Master, and under the guidance of Ports Minister Bimal Ratnayake and Deputy Minister Kodithuwaku, employees say the restored Nandimithra will help the SLPA provide a more competitive and efficient service.