All port operations return to normal

All operations and other services of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s (SLPA) terminals and all other sister terminals at the Port of Colombo are swiftly returning to normal, Sri Lanka ports Authority, South Asia Gateway Terminal and Colombo International Container Terminal said yesterday.

Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic situation in the country, terminals in the port faced an impact to its operations over the last week. Subsequently, collective action with decisive measures were implemented to restore operations and to ensure the well-being of all employees and port users. Accordingly, operations at Jaya Container Terminal, East Container Terminal, Unity Container Terminal, South Asia Gateway Terminal, and Colombo International Container Terminal are currently operating normally at quayside with yard operations and Inter-Terminal Transfers (ITT) being resorted in a planned fashion

 Data shows that since October 30, SAGT has successfully operated the three berths with the deployment of full quayside and yard equipment while delivering unimpeded gate operation for import and export cargo. Inter-Terminal Transfer (ITT) into and out of SAGT have been impeded by the congestion of the yards of the three terminals.

All terminals at the Port of Colombo are committed to enhancing a safe operating environment for all our stakeholders. Prior to the spread of COVID-19 second wave in the country, the SLPA and all other terminals implemented a strategic crisis management plan. Accordingly, all necessary health and strict safety precautionary measures implemented by SLPA, CICT, and SAGT over and above the government regulations ensured the safety and well-being of our employees and port users. We are pleased to say that due to these precautionary measures taken in advance; all operations and other services are now running at full strength, port sources said.