• Brings all stakeholders onto single digital platform
• All approvals/processes handled online

The Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation is set to introduce a Port Community System (PCS) across the country’s ports and address certain infrastructure-related issues within this year (2025) to prevent delays and streamline operations, it is learnt.

PCSs help reduce paperwork and cut down administrative red tape often associated with ports-related logistics, leading to faster decision-making and more streamlined operations.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, the Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku said that a PCS would bring all ports-related stakeholders — including shipping agents, the Customs, the Department of Immigration and Emigration, and shipping lines — onto a single digital platform.

"Digitalisation is our first priority. Through the PCS, all necessary approvals and processes can be handled online. It will make operations much faster and more efficient. We are currently working closely with the Ministry of Digital Economy, and we are confident that the system will be up and running within this year," he added.

He also said that the Government would take steps to develop infrastructure at the ports, noting that there have been issues regarding the ports capacity due to a lack of infrastructure.

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), which was constituted under the provisions of the SLPA Act, No. 51 of 1979 as amended, is overseeing the country's ports. There are several ports coming under its purview, including those in Colombo, Galle, Hambantota, Oluvil, Trincomalee, Point Pedro, and Kankesanthurai.