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Stakeholders urge SLPA to ensure minimum safety standards at Colombo Port

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Colombo Port: focus for safety standards

By Nishel Fernando

Pointing at safety standards recommended by Singapore’s Transport Safety Investigation Bureau (TSIB), Sri Lanka’s shipping industry stakeholders urge the Sri Lanka Port Authority (SLPA) to ensure minimum safety standards at the Port of Colombo, in order to avoid future catastrophe similar to X-Press Pearl (XP).

The TSIB, which is the air, marine and rail accidents and incidents investigation authority in Singapore, has made several safety recommendations to the SLPA in its final report ‘FIRE ONBOARD X-PRESS PEARL AT COLOMBO ANCHORAGE’, released late last year.

X-Press Pearl, which was carrying several containers of epoxy resin plastics, caused an overwhelming economic, social and environmental impact to Sri Lanka in 2021, as the ship caught on fire and subsequent sinking. The report highlighted the rather limited support of Sri Lankan authorities in diffusing the situation, partially due to the limited firefighting capabilities of the SLPA.

“The response from Colombo Port Control to assist XP was deemed limited. There was no follow-up after a team of firemen had assessed the situation onboard XP. The tugs sent for firefighting had various limitations, which did not offer continuous firefighting support. The Master did not receive answer from Colombo Port Control on the several requests made for urgent berthing before the fire went out of control,” the report outlined.

In addition to the tugs being used for port operations halfway during the firefighting operation, the report noted that there was difficulty in positioning the tugs for firefighting while some tugs were not able to provide sufficient water pressure to reach the top of the containers or even onto the main deck of the ship and some tugs had engine/machinery problems that required repairs, thus, causing a break in firefighting efforts.

“It was also evident that some of the tugs were not dedicated for firefighting and hence had their limitations to fight the fire effectively. The investigation team noted from several accounts that of all the tugs (eight), which rendered firefighting assistance, only ‘Hercules’ was effective in firefighting efforts,” it added.

At the request of the SLPA, the India Coastal Guard (ICG) deployed ICG ships Vaibhav101 and Vajra102 for the firefighting operation. The ICG ship Samudra Prahari was on standby for pollution response and the ICG aircraft Donier performed air reconnaissance for pollution detection.

“Almost every (cargo) ship arrives in Colombo has dangerous good. The terminals have special areas to handle these goods. On ground, terminals are quite equipped to handle any incident, in particular CICT and SAGT. However, out on sea, it’s the responsibility of the SLPA. There’s a huge vacuum. As a hub port, you need to be equipped to handle such unfortunate incidents. You need to be prepared for contingencies,” a shipping agent remarked.

The dangerous goods handling has become a lucrative revenue stream for the port.

The TSIB recommend the SLPA to review its plans for supporting a response to a shipboard fire by ensuring that the tugs assigned for firefighting are fit for purpose and dedicated in performing firefighting [TSIB Recommendation RM-2023-19].

If the SLPA is unable to facilitate these crucial safety measures, the industry players stressed that the SLPA should handover this function to the private sector.

“If the SLPA is unable to facilitate these safety measures, then they must hand it over to the private sector through an open tender process. Somehow, these minimum safety standards need to be assured,” they said.

With East Container Terminal (ECT) and West Container Terminal (WICT) coming into operations soon, they pointed out that it’s crucial to ensure these safety standards.

“In order to attract new services, we (shipping agents) need to go canvassing. However, minimum safety standards are a must for us to go out and bring in new services confidently,” they added.

The SLPA officials were not immediately available to comment on the matter.

In addition to the safety standards, the TSIB has also recommended the SLPA to take appropriate steps for ensuring the voyage data recorder (VDR), when recovered, is made available to the flag state for the conduct of safety investigation, as required by the IMO Guidelines on VDR ownership and recovery (MSC/Circ.1024). [TSIB Recommendation RM-2023-20].



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SLT-MOBITEL driving Sri Lanka’s economic resilience through digital infrastructure

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SLT-MOBITEL marks its triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026

Corporate accolades underscore the alignment between its operational excellence and national development

In an era where national competitiveness is intrinsically tied to digital connectivity, strengthening the country’s digital backbone has become an urgent priority. Within this context, the evolving role of Sri Lanka’s leading telecommunications provider, SLT-MOBITEL, offers valuable insight into how technological infrastructure can underpin broader economic resilience.

Telecommunications and digital networks are foundational to economic transformation. By expanding high-speed broadband access, upgrading enterprise cloud capabilities, and bridging the urban-rural connectivity divide, SLT-MOBITEL helps reduce business transaction costs, streamline supply chains, and enable micro, small, and medium enterprises to reach global markets.

Recent corporate accolades further underscore this alignment between operational excellence and national development. SLT-MOBITEL’s triple triumph at the National Business Excellence Awards 2026 – winning in the Infrastructure and Utilities sector, Performance Management, and ICT Services categories – highlights its growing impact. Notably, the recognition of eChannelling’s contributions to digital healthcare reflects a broader strategic pivot toward integrated technology solutions.

“Institutional efficiency of this nature is critical for attracting foreign direct investment, as global partners increasingly assess a country’s digital maturity and systemic stability before committing capital,” noted industry observers.

Moreover, the company’s transition from a conventional telecom utility to a comprehensive digital solutions provider aligns seamlessly with Sri Lanka’s national digitalisation agenda. As the country pursues public sector modernisation, enhanced e-governance, and a competitive knowledge economy, the private sector must step up to deliver secure, scalable, and future-ready networks. Investments in data centres, cybersecurity frameworks, and advanced ICT infrastructure act as strategic buffers, ensuring that Sri Lanka’s economic apparatus remains agile and resilient amid future global uncertainties.

However, industry experts caution that while these achievements are commendable, SLT-MOBITEL still has a considerable distance to cover in fully enabling a truly digital economy.

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Port City Colombo strengthens Gulf investment ties at Dubai diplomatic engagement

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The panel discussion at the engagement

Port City Colombo (PCC) took a prominent role as Platinum Sponsor at the second edition of Sri Lanka Beyond Your Dreams, a high-level diplomatic and investment engagement hosted by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The event, held on 2nd September 2026 at the Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City, brought together over 400 senior UAE-based business leaders, investors, diplomats, and institutional stakeholders, alongside Sri Lanka’s most senior government representatives.

The gathering was graced by Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, as Guest of Honour, and Vijitha Herath, Sri Lanka’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism. A high-level Sri Lankan delegation – including the Secretary to the Prime Minister, the Chairman of the Board of Investment, the Chairman of the Export Development Board, and the Director General of Commerce – underscored the government’s strong commitment to deepening economic diplomacy with the UAE.

In his keynote address, Minister Herath reaffirmed the centuries-old ties between Sri Lanka and the Arab region, emphasising the UAE’s vital role as a key economic partner. He stressed the urgency of finalising a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with the UAE, which would establish a robust framework to elevate trade, investment, and bilateral cooperation. Declaring Sri Lanka “open and ready for business,” he positioned Port City Colombo as the physical embodiment of this economic mission – a modern Special Economic Zone (SEZ) with a dedicated legal framework and competitive incentives, offering UAE investors a natural gateway to South Asia while maintaining strong Gulf connectivity.

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American Premium Water strikes Gold at Dragons of Sri Lanka 2026

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The achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories.

American Premium Water has secured four wins at Dragons of Sri Lanka Awards 2026, including three Gold Dragons and one Black Dragon, marking a significant milestone for the brand following its relaunch last year.

Part of the prestigious Dragons of Asia awards, Dragons of Sri Lanka brings the program’s regional platform to the local market, celebrating creative and effective marketing communications, with entries evaluated on strategic thinking, creativity, execution and impact. Established in 2000, Dragons of Asia is one of Asia’s premier results-driven marketing awards programs.

For American Premium Water, the achievements are particularly significant given that the company’s debut at the Dragons awards has resulted in four Dragons across four categories. In the distinction of Gold Dragons, American Premium Water was recognized across three categories including Product Launch or Re Launch, Cause, Environment or Sustainability and Creative Excellence while the Black Dragon was awarded in recognition of Small Budget.

Competing alongside leading brands and agencies in Sri Lanka, American Premium Water’s four wins demonstrate the strength and effectiveness of its recent work. Winning three Gold Dragons across three distinct categories highlights the breadth of the brand’s achievements, while the Black Dragon for Small Budget further emphasizes its ability to create meaningful impact through focused and efficient investment.

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