ADB ready to assist USD 35 mn project to enhance efficiency of Colombo port – Minister

Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said that the Asian Development Bank (ADB) expressed its readiness to back USD 35 mn project to establish a Digital Communication System (DCS) for the Colombo port.

Addressing officials at the ministry on Tuesday (18) Minister de Silva said that the DCS could be established before the end of this year.

The ministry quoted the SLFPer as having said that the DCS would effectively mitigate considerable delays in commercial, maritime and clearing activities at the port.

Claiming that DCS were in operation in more than 50 container ports, the minister has underscored the urgent need to implement the same system here.

The Minister said that the proposed system would include Ports Authority, Customs as well as the Department of Immigration and Emigration. (SF)