Ranatunga plays sweep shot at Colombo port
Colombo: A proper junk clearing mechanism is to be introduced at Colombo Port with the aim of converting it into an environment-friendly facility for its employees and visitors.
This decision was taken by Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Arjuna Ranatunga, a former Sri Lanka cricket captain, who won the 1996 World Cup for his country.
According to sources in the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), around 9,900 employees and 5,000 visitors arrive at the 375-acre port premises daily. Most are put off by the large heaps of garbage strewn around the port.
“As a result of the busy environment and activities, as also the absence of a proper garbage clearance mechanism, around five tonnes of garbage gets collected daily at the port premises,” Ranatunga said. “The port premises should be converted into a people-friendly, clean and green environment by introducing a proper garbage clearance method.”
Ranatunga added that the government would take every possible measure to uplift the port sector since it was one of the key sectors of the country’s economy.