Novel Port Community System for Colombo Port as part of developing digital infrastructure
The Morning: The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has unveiled plans to introduce a novel Port Community System along with several other digitization initiatives as it directs its efforts toward enhancing the digital infrastructure at the Colombo Port.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, SLPA Managing Director H.M. Prabath Jayantha revealed that the SLPA was currently pursuing the introduction of a Port Community System as part of the ongoing digitization efforts at the Colombo Port.
He revealed that a feasibility study was currently being carried out for this purpose by a foreign consultant in collaboration with a local partner.
“A Port Community System is a system where all stakeholders at the port are connected to a single system for information sharing. If an importer has to submit documents at five different points, under such a system he will only need to submit the documents once and they will be accessible throughout the system. This will make the entire regulatory process very efficient and simple for exporters and importers,” he stated.
He further revealed that once the foreign consultant completed the feasibility report, the process of soliciting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) would be initiated, anticipating the entire procedure to be completed in approximately two months.
Responding to a query on the anticipated investment for the introduction of the Port Community System, Jayantha stated: “Once we call for EOIs, it is possible that the SLPA will not have to make any investment. We may pursue a model under which the investor establishes the system and recovers their investment within two to three years and transfers it to us. Therefore, we are yet to determine the investment to be made by the SLPA.”
He also revealed plans to implement an electronic gate system featuring facial recognition technology as well as a vehicle movement tracking system at the Colombo Port.
According to the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA), a Port Community System is an open electronic platform that connects existing individual systems and databases of distinct companies and organizations in order to facilitate secure and intelligent operational data exchange and consolidation within the port network.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s overall development plan in line with the increasing economic activities indicate a growth in business/investment opportunities covering all key economic sectors. Sri Lanka’s geographical positioning in the Indian Ocean and the strong trade ties enjoyed by the country have resulted in the expansion of the country’s maritime and ports industry. However, the overall expansion in opportunities have resulted in growing business/investment opportunities in the ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors. Sri Lanka is focused on becoming an emerging business destination in the South Asian region and transforming the country into an e-economy. Foreign businesses/investors could therefore confidently explore the growing opportunities in Sri Lanka’s ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors. The growth and profits recorded by local businesses engaged in the ICT and digital infrastructure development sectors indicate the growing business potential in these sectors. Foreign businesses could also look at forming partnerships or joint ventures with local businesses with the aim of expansion.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20230919/Z_6 |