Logistics

Sri Lanka to make Colombo â€˜smart portâ€™ with automated functions

Monday February 25, 2019 10:43 am

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s ports and shipping ministry said it will spend 929 million rupees to modernise information technology at Colombo port to make it a ‘smart port’ with many automated functions to improve efficiency.

Ports, Shipping and Southern Development Minister Sagala Ratnayaka said he expects the process of IT upgrades to streamline terminal management and cargo systems to be completed in 12-18 months.

"There are many technical aspects to this. For instance, the upgraded Terminal Management System will include gate automation, yard automation, (and) quay side automation.”

The initiative will include using satellite-based DGPS or Differential Global Positioning Systems which provide improved location accuracy to make best use of container handling equipment within port terminals and increase productivity.

It will also include business intelligence tools, web portals and simulation tools, Ratnayaka said in a statement.

‘Smart ports’ globally use IT and data analytics to make the best use of available terminal space, equipment and time to become more competitive and attractive to customers.

"In layman’s terms, this means Colombo Port will operate with greater efficiency and handle a greater volume of activities within a shorter period of time with the use of advanced IT and information systems," Ratnayaka explained.

"Transforming Colombo into a Smart Port is a timely need."

A full-scale IT infrastructure drive is currently underway to transform Colombo — Sri Lanka’s busiest port — into a ‘smart port’.

Ratnayaka said 929 million rupees has been allocated for the project, which has been included in the Asian Development Bank-supported master plan for Sri Lanka’s port development.

Colombo’s transformation into a Smart Port will ensure the development of a collaborative approach that will make the port ‘smart’ in terms of flow, situation or customer management, Ratnayaka said.

"This is a long-drawn process that will happen over time with rapidly advancing technology. But our Smart Port initiative will lay the groundwork for the longer-term transformation with the right IT and tech infrastructure.

"What we need to understand is that being smart is a mindset,” Ratnayaka said.

“Colombo must embrace the Smart Port concept with the right frame of mind. This is not about upgrading IT and information systems and forgetting everything else. Cleanliness of the port, the attitude of workers, its administration and welfare should also be geared towards the same transformation," he added.
(Colombo/February 25/2019)

FILED UNDER: Sri Lanka

Cancel reply

1 Sri Lanka bondholders seek official creditor deal terms, say slow progress on talks

2 Sri Lanka imports rise in Oct 23 as remittances, tourism flows pick up

3 CORRECTION - Sri Lanka president extends import levies on selected foods

4 Sri Lanka revises down price of widely used petrol, diesel

5 Sri Lanka IMF review goes to executive board on December 12

Markets

Sri Lanka stocks close up as some investor interest returns

Monday December 4, 2023 6:12 pm

ECONOMYNEXT – The Colombo Stock Exchange closed up on Monday, CSE data showed.

The All Share Price Index was up 0.22 percent, or 23.33 points, at 10,743.59.

The S&P SL20 index was up 0.68 percent, or 20.60 points, at 3,067.73.

Turnover was at 708 million. The banks sector contributed 189 million, while the food, beverage and tobacco sector contributed 176 million of this.

Sri Lanka’s stock market has seen some investor interest return after last week’s news that the country had managed an agreement on a debt restructuring deal with an official creditor committee, and foreign funds for some development projects resumed.

Top positive contributors to the ASPI in the day were Sampath Bank Plc (up at 71.50), LOLC Holdings Plc (up at 379.00), and Commercial Bank of Ceylon Plc, (up at 90.90).

There was a net foreign outflow of 52 million.

Citrus Leisure Plc, which announced that its banquet hall and revolving restaurant at the Lotus Tower would launch on or around Dec 9, saw its share price rise to 6.20 rupees. (Colombo/Dec4/2023).

Bonds & Forex

Sri Lanka rupee closes broadly steady at 328.10/30 to the US dollar

Monday December 4, 2023 5:24 pm

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s rupee closed at 328.10/30 to the US dollar on Monday, from 328.00/10 on Friday, dealers said.

Bond yields were stable.

A bond maturing on 01.06.2025 closed at 13.70/14.00 percent from 13.70/95 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.08.2026 closed at 13.90/14.10 percent from 13.90/14.05 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.01.2027 closed at 14.00/14.10 percent from 14.05/10 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.07.2028 closed at 14.20/35 percent from 14.15/25 percent.

A bond maturing on 15.05.2030 closed at 14.25/45 percent, from 14.20/45 percent.

A bond maturing on 01.07.2032 closed at 14.05/40 percent, from 14.00/45 percent. (Colombo/Dec4/2023)

Crime

Gov minister highlights abortion rights, sex-ed for children, and Sri Lanka men killing their women

Monday December 4, 2023 4:21 pm

ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s legislators have politicized the topics of rape and violence without addressing the elephant in the room, Jeevan Thondaman, Minister of Water Supply and Estate Infrastructure Development said in parliament on Monday (4).

“All the members here are talking about rape. What happens after that? We must talk about abortion rights. That is not something anyone wants to touch on, and that is why we are in this place right now,” Thondaman said.

“Despite alarming statistics on rape and violence, women are often blamed and punished for it. The criminalisation of abortion is a major example of this.”

Sri Lanka has some of the most restrictive abortion laws in the world. According to a 2016 estimate by the Health Ministry, he said, approximately 658 abortions take place a day, and close to 250,000 a year.

“That’s 250,000 women whose lives you are endangering.”

He added that what was needed at this point in time was comprehensive sexual education (CSE) for children and young people.

“Only through CSE in schools will children and young people develop, accurate, age appropriate knowledge attitude and skills; positive values such as respect for human rights, gender equality, diversity and attitude and skills that contribute to a safe, healthy and positive relationship.”

Thondaman pointed out that CSE plays a pivotal role in preparing young people for a world where HIV, AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies, and sexual and gender based violence still pose a risk to their well-being.

“CSE basically empowers children take control and make informed decisions freely and responsibly.”

Thondaman also highlighted the findings of a 2021 study (Fatalities_20211109_UNFPA) by the UNFPA and the University of Kelaniya that showed that a majority of women killed in Sri Lanka were murdered by those close to them.

“62 percent of homicides of Sri Lankan women are committed by either an intimate partner, ex-partner or family member. 84 percent are killed in their own homes by someone they know.”

Police and the judiciary have failed Sri Lanka’s women, the minister pointed out.

“Only 5 percent of these cases, between 2013-2017, were ever concluded. Men claim they were provoked, or are of unsound mind or have mental illness: These have been successful defenses. And the Police often express sympathy to this narrative as opposed to the victim’s.”

“We have a history of protecting oppressors.”

It takes 7-10 years for a child rape case to conclude, he pointed out.

Establishment of child courts are needed, he said, as well as several legislative amendments. “The government is working on a new law to reform the domestic violence act, reform of marriage and divorce laws to ensure there is an easier path to divorce: no one should be forced to remain in a marriage that is either abusive or not healthy.” (Colombo/Dec4/2023)