It further reveals that progress was achieved by the time of new administration came in to work.

SLPA said this was the second time that Authority has gained a significant increased in TUEs operations after the achievement of 1.5 % growth in 2014 September.

The SLPA data shows that the total container volume handled at Colombo port during 2014 had declined up to -1.1% and again up to -8.8% respectively in October and November 2014 by pointing a huge decline.

Minister of Ports and Shipping Arjuna Ranatunga asserted that the sets targets were achieved even still continuing the port operations using its old equipments and machines. Minister revealed that the significant improvement was achieved by getting the support of the employees in Colombo port.

Minister charged that he was really satisfied about the production capacity of the employees in Colombo port. He said the set targets were achieved even in the scenario of SLPA was facing financial barriers to replace old machines and equipments at the Colombo port.

“We hope to develop the necessary facilities of the Colombo port to continue the progress and bring it amongst world’s top 20 ports list,” the Minister charged.

Minister asserted that taking a visit to the JCT terminal at the Colombo port on yesterday (02). Minister extended his gratitude to all employees of JCT terminal for their valuable contribution to achieve the set targets. The visit was organized by the employee unions of the SLPA.