Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman, Dr. Priyantha Bandu Wickrema said yesterday that the only way that Sri Lanka could develop its hub port status and increase revenue was by introducing new technology and carrying out infrastructural development of the Colombo port.

He said that his main concern is to get concessions by calling for international bids to Build and Operate (B and O) the terminal for the Colombo Port expansion project.

"My primary task is to enhance productivity by increasing the handling capacity to reach maximum levels by introducing new technology", he told the Sunday Island.

He said that tender documents for the bids are with the Attorney General and as soon as clearance for the International Bid is given, advertisements will be placed locally and overseas to find an investor. "We hope to complete this project in three to three and a half years".

"If not for the support and assistance extended by Minister of Ports, Aviation and Irrigation Chamal Rajapaksa, I could not have taken several initiatives in connection with the Colombo South Port, which had been delayed by 5 to 6 years and to procure six new gantry cranes to move containers from ship to shore and 30 rubber type gantries for yard operations on a priority basis", Wickrema said.

"Otherwise, we might have lost hub status".

"Due to capacity constraints at the Colombo Port, we cant handle more ships. We are now introducing new Terminal Management Systems and crane stimulators to train crane operators to increase efficiency and to enhance productivity among the staff", he said.

In connection with the proposed Hambantota Port, the Chairman assured that the project is moving well ahead of schedule. It is a massive project - an area of around 400 hectares – which, when completed will generate thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly, Wickrema, an engineer by profession, said.

Minister Chamal Rajapaksa has ensured that a planned programme of urban development is in place for the Port City at Hambantota and unlike Colombo, where due to improper planning, cargo traffic is congested, a separate road link Cargo Lane connecting the Industrial Zone and Colombo Expressway will be in place, he said.

Several companies have already opened offices there. For example, Hayleys Group have set up offices and are scouting around to invest in the Industrial Zone, the Chairman explained.

"We are also going ahead with the construction of the Oluvil Port in the Eastern Province".

The Government has complied with the directive of the Supreme Court and taken over the tanks at Bloemendhal Road and signed MOUs with Seven Licensed holders as well as LIOC. A MOU with CPC will be signed next Monday, he said.

"We started operations last Friday with the first shipment of 2550 metric tons of bunkering fuel arriving. Another shipment of 6500 metric tons is due soon", he said.