The Sri Lankan Port Authority has declared that the Colombo Port is functioning without any disruption in cargo handling amidst reports last week that forty customs officials functioning in the port have been sent for qurantine.

The move by the customs followed when two senior officials of their unit at the Colombo Port entrance gate were found positive for corona virus.

Soon after the incident was reported by the media, Chairman of the Port authority General Daya Ratnayke has issued a clarificatory statement. The statement itself says the port is going through a challenging period.

All operations at the Port of Colombo continued without any interruption

All operations at the Port of Colombo continued without any interruption. All port premises and access gates are keenly monitored around the clock and systematically disinfected. Randomly selected teams working and engaging at various capacities in the Port of Colombo and other ports in the country are regularly subjected to PCR and antibody tests. The medical advice given on the results of those tests is facilitated to be followed in the same manner.

I take this opportunity to extend my deepest gratitude to all those who contribute to the continuation of efficient and reliable operations of all ports of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority ( SLPA) and all terminals operating in the Port of Colombo and elsewhere in the country during this challenging period. All of your services are equally important.

Unfortunately, some parties with vested interests are giving inappropriate and manipulated interpretations to the work that we all continue to do collectively to ensure the safety of all. There is a risk of spreading unnecessary fear in the society, including among stakeholders and other interested parties in shipping and maritime industry, due to these hyperbolical stories propagating by these parties.

SLPA has promulgated the all necessary health measures as quickly as the pandemic was reported

I would like to reaffirm that SLPA has promulgated the all necessary health measures as quickly as the pandemic was reported and started disrupting the global supply chain. Our priority is the health and well-being of all. Accordingly, strictly health measures have introduced for the smooth operation of the Port, the heart of the country a.k.a. the lifeline of the nation.   

Due to the precarious situation prevailing in the country, the number of employees required to report for duty is limited.  The special precautionary arrangement followed by strictly health guidelines has been introduced and implemented for all employees reporting for duties. Other employees have instructed to perform their duties from home.

Everyone's role is crucial and equally essential

Therefore, all of your continued supports are crucial at this need of the moment to make the terminal operations and port activities, an essential service in the country, more successfully. It is important to recall that the challenges we face shall easily overcome through collective action and sincere commitments. We all have a responsible role to play in defending the health and well-being of all and conserve the Terminal and Port operations and other activities. Everyone's role is crucial and equally essential.