The Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, Nimal Siripala de Silva, officially opened the Enquiry Centre at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) yesterday. This significant development is set to bolster the operational capabilities of the Port of Colombo, a pivotal hub for international trade and shipping activities.
The primary objective behind establishing the SLPA Enquiry Centre is to streamline and expedite the provision of information on port services, benefiting both local and international customers associated with the Port of Colombo. Moreover, it seeks to educate and inform the public about the intricacies of port operations.
Operating from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, the center will be accessible through the dedicated hotline number 1984. This hotline promises to be a valuable resource, particularly for individuals involved in import, export, and shipping endeavors.
For those seeking additional information, the SLPA Enquiry Centre, conveniently located at Lotus Road, Canal Yard, Colombo 01, welcomes walk-in inquiries. Alternatively, questions can be submitted via email to [email protected].
During the center’s inauguration, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva placed the inaugural call to the hotline, emphasizing the significance of this service’s international connectivity. He highlighted how this initiative will provide swift access to the latest updates in the domains of trade, shipping, and ports.
“The efficiency of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority’s services is poised for a significant boost with the introduction of the new Enquiry Center,” noted the Minister. He added, “This proactive measure aims to reduce the need for in-person meetings between officials and customers, ultimately mitigating certain irregularities.”
Prominent figures in the SLPA leadership, including Chairman Keith Bernard and Managing Director Prabath Malavige, along with numerous senior officials, also graced the event with their presence.