Growth achieved through right partnerships will help us outperform regional port competition: SAGT

by Sanath Nanayakkare

We have reached the end of another year, which I believe, was the most difficult year in our recent history. All of us had very high hopes and expectations when we started the year with strong belief that the country will prosper in all spheres. However, the Covid-19 pandemic has shattered almost all our dreams. We must appreciate the efforts of the health and security officials very much. Our economy is very badly affected. Only few sectors have been able to minimize the impact. Port is one of those sectors, which performed relatively well, despite facing many unprecedented challenges, Upul Jinadasa General Manager – Operations SAGT told The Island Financial Review yesterday.

Further speaking he said: “I am seeing the Covid-19 pandemic as a very dark cloud but with a silver lining. In terms of personal behaviors, it forced us to be disciplined, take health seriously, change unhealthy habits, be conscious about others and think afresh. It has also created lots of opportunities within and outside our traditional boundaries. It forced us to revise current practices to avoid physical contact. This helped us maximize efficiencies while realizing our potential in some key areas in the Port. As a result, some activities, which we tried hard over many years before, was digitalized overnight. Digitalization is expected to thrive and will create many opportunities for our youth. Why not capitalize on it and transform our country to a much smarter place for doing business?”

“At present we are observing a boom in global container shipping industry. Major shipping lines are very keen in doing business with the Colombo Port. We must act wisely and make strategic, factual decisions fast to create Port capacity, enhance related services and position ourselves as the finest Hub Port in the region. Need to establish partnerships with most suitable and strategic global entities for mutual benefit. Growth achieved through right partnerships will help us outperform regional port competition, create more value additions to the local trade and employment opportunities for our youth”.

“I am of the view that as a country, we should not be scared to take the lead wherever it makes sense. Don’t wait till others to act and reap benefits before us. We must dream high and work towards making those dreams a reality. We have done it before. We can do it again”, Jinadasa said.