SLPA Modernizes: 7 Cranes, 20 E-Movers Approved

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has secured Cabinet approval for the procurement of seven state-of-the-art rubber-tire electric gantry cranes. 

These cranes will be deployed at the Eastern Container Terminal (ECT) and the Jaya Container Terminal (JCT), two of the country’s most vital container handling facilities.

The initiative, funded under the 2025 national budget, is part of Sri Lanka’s broader push to modernize its port infrastructure and strengthen its position as a regional logistics hub. 

The procurement will follow an international competitive bidding process.

The proposal was presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation and received approval from the Cabinet of Ministers. 

At the same time, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) has received Cabinet approval to procure 20 electrically operated prime movers, replacing aging diesel-powered vehicles used for inter-terminal container transport.

Currently, SLPA operates 119 prime movers and terminal tractors, with over half of the fleet—60 vehicles—exceeding 20 years in service and requiring frequent repairs.

Recognizing the urgent need for fleet renewal, the SLPA Board of Directors initially proposed purchasing 20 terminal tractors in 2023. However, in line with evolving operational and environmental priorities, the Board revised the plan to acquire electric prime movers instead.

A capital budget allocation of Rs. 1,000 million under the 2025/2026 financial plan will fund the procurement, which will be conducted through an international competitive bidding process. The proposal was presented by the Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation and has now been formally approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.