An agreement was signed between Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and Colombo Dockyard to build two pilot boats for the Port of Colombo so that it can efficiently handle a greater volume of activities.

In addition to the four pilot boats that the Port of Colombo already has, the new boats would be operational by December this year.

Commenting on the agreement, Minister of Ports and Shipping, and Southern Development Sagala Ratnayaka stated: “The two new pilot boats would be faster than other boats in the fleet and would be better equipped to handle modern ships that frequently visit the country’s busiest port.”

He added that “the contractor was selected through a cabinet approved procurement process… SLPA will invest US$ 3.1 million in new pilot boats.”