Jul 25, 2016.
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has extended by a month the deadline for expressions of interest in the pre-qualification stage to build and operate a new container terminal in Colombo port.
Invitations for Expressions of Interest for prequalification to bid for the development of the East Container Terminal of Port of Colombo have been extended till 21 August 2016, Ministry of Ports & Shipping Secretary L.P. Jayampathi told EconomyNext.com.
He said the deadline was extended to give more time for interested parties to bid for the project which the government wants to fast-track because of fast-growing container business.
Minister of Ports & Shipping Arjuna Ranatunga said about 25 potential investors had collected tender documents by 21 July, the date of the original deadline in the pre-qualification stage.
SLPA Chairman Dammika Ranatunga said their aim is to improve Colombo port’s position in the global ranking of container ports.
Colombo has risen to 26th place in 2015 among the global top 30 container ports, he said.
“By 2020 our aim is to be ranked at least in 20th place,” he said.
The officials spoke at a news conference held to announce SLPA preparations to mark its 37th anniversary on 1 August 2016.
(COLOMBO, July 25, 2016)