The President stated this attending the opening ceremony of the Sri Lankan Ports Authority’s CFS 1 Container Freight Station as the chief guest. Hon. Minister of Ports and Shipping Mr. Arjuna Ranatunga, Deputy Minister of Ports and Shipping Mr. Nishantha Muthuhettigama, Secretary of Ports and Shipping Mr. L. P. Jayampathy, Chairman of Sri Lankan Ports Authority Mr. Dhammika Ranatunga and many other invitees attended the this distinguished event today.
At today’s ceremony, the new website of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority was also launched by His Excellency the President Maithripala Sirisena. Similarly the operations of the Container Freight Station were also opened by the President himself. Addressing the Ports Authority employees, the President noted that it’s everyone’s responsibility to support the Minister to protect the port which is the heart of the nation.
“Hon. Minister Arjuna Ranathunga is a person that I had known for a long period of time. Hon. Minister Arjuna Ranatunga was always walking with me as a shadow, when I decided to leave the previous government on the 21st of November 2014 and decided to contest as a common candidate. Therefore, I maintain good friendship with the Minister Arjuna Ranatunga. When we are working we should pay special attention upon our responsibilities. The chairman of the Port Authority, Secretary to the Ministry, Directors and the Administrative officers and Trade Unions should carry out their duties on a friendly, understanding and in a responsible manner.
Very often, there are different talks and views expressed on media on the topic of selling our government institutions to the private sectors. There are various discussions on these subjects. When referring to the port I have heard numerous views on some of the various divisions. I have seen this on the media. In the recent past I read in a newspaper article that Lanka Hospital would be sold out. In addition the names of many profit-making organizations were also included in that article. There, I didn’t note the name of the port by any chance. However, I would never agree on a policy of selling any profit-making government organizations. I would like to clearly state that. If there are non-profit organizations, we have series of measures on developing those organizations. At some instances the necessity arises to work in collaboration with the private sector as well. Anyhow, if I say it in simple I will never agree on the fact of selling profit-making organizations to the private. That is my stance…” His Excellency the President Maithripala Sirisena stated.
The Container Freight Station which was opened by His Excellency the President Maithripala Sirisena According was completed with the use of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s technology and manpower. Because of this reason, the Container Freight Station spent Rs.95 million for the construction materials only. The employees who built the 5400 square meters Container Freight Station got the opportunity in taking a group photograph with the President as well.
