Cabinet approval given to operate ECT wholly under SLPA

Cabinet has approved a proposal to wholly operate Colombo Port's East Container Terminal (ECT) under the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA). 

The proposal had been submitted by Ports and Shipping Minister Rohitha Abeygunawardena.

The Government noted that Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Japan for the development of Colombo Port's ECT. On October 26, Cabinet had approved a proposal to appoint a negotiating committee to evaluate and investment proposal submitted by an Indian investor in accordance with provisions of the agreement. 

The proposal to wholly operate the ECT under the SLPA was submitted to the Cabinet by the Ports and Shipping Minister based on recommendations furnished by this negotiating committee. 

Meanwhile, Cabinet yesterday also approved a proposal to take necessary steps to develop the Colombo Port's West Container Terminal (WCT) as a public-private partnership and return it within 35 years. The WCT will be developed with parties nominated by the Governments of India and Japan and the SLPA in compliance with the international agreements signed by the Sri Lankan Government with a view to develop the Colombo Port as a competitive port in the region.