SLPA, KDU in Collaborative Step to Commence Diploma Course in Port Security (Sri Lanka)

Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) commences a Special Diploma Course on Port Security for the security personnel of the institution.

The course is conducted in collaboration with the Sir John Kothalawala Defense University (KDU) in Rathmalana. The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for this Diploma Course on Port Security was signed on 24th July 2012 at the Kothalawala Defense University in Rathmalana. On behalf of the two institutions, Dr.Priyath B. Wickrama – Chairman of SLPA and Major Gen.Milinda Peiris – Vice Chancellor of the KDU Signed the MOU.

In a special statement on the commencement of the Diploma Course on Port Security, Dr. Priyath B. Wickrama – Chairman of SLPA states that extending professional training to the Security staff of SLPA has been identified as a key requirement in this process.

“At present, we are in a mission to develop all ports including Colombo, Hambantota, Galle, Oluvil, KKS and Trincomalee. Our aim is to reach the apex of international maritime trade sector. And, therefore, our implementations consist of the latest technology. And we continue to do so. At the same time, we have well understood the timely importance of developing our human resource, because they are the most vital part of all our implementations. For that purpose, we have introduced new recruitment processes to establish a human work force with the highest necessary education backgrounds. It is a pleasure to see that Mahapola Training Institute of SLPA is performing a greater deal of this task, successfully. The new Diploma Course on Port Security will further strengthen the expertise of the SLPA’s Security personnel and the SLPA’s collaborative initiation of the course with Sir John Kothalawala Defense University is a timely decision taken to facilitate the unprecedented service by the country’s prime defense university to other civil institutions in the country,” he states.

Expressing views at the occasion, Capt. Nihal Keppetipola – Managing Director of SLPA stated that it was crucial to extend professional training according to well identified international standard, to all security personnel deployed at various institutions in the country. The Managing Director also added that he was thankful to the Chairman of SLPA as well as all other officers of the two institutions for the timely implementation of the course.

Expressing views at the occasion, Major Gen.Milinda Peiris – Vice Chancellor of the Sir John Kothalawala Defense University stated that the institution was to take another revolutionary step forward in its march towards becoming a renowned seat of higher learning in Sri Lanka. “In recent times, we have been able to expand our horizons by introducing both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in divergent fields like Defense and strategic studies, medicine, law, engineering, management, information and communication technology. Further, we have been taking many measures to enhance the quality of our degree programmes in line with the guidelines set by the Quality Assurance and Accreditation Council of the UGC. We have enhanced our infrastructure facilities to a great extent to enable the provision of high quality higher educational opportunities for our students. We have already taken necessary measures to invite and attract more foreign students for SAARC countries as well as other Asian countries for our degree programmes which are presently limited to a few foreign students,” he said.

Speaking further at the occasion Major Gen.Milinda Peiris – Vice Chancellor of the KDU stated that the course would be a great opportunity for the port security personnel to follow the Diploma programme with high level of discipline and related knowledge through the competent and experienced academic staff that the KDU and Mahapola training Institute of SLPA have. “The sea and air ports and all infrastructure involved in the inland and external transportation are vital parts of the national security, especially the sea and air ports are paramount important in this regard. To maintain high standards of security, relevant personnel should be given a proper training in order to maintain and upgrade their knowledge on par with the unique roles they have to play in their carriers,” he added.

The Diploma Course on Port Security that will commence on the 01st August this year and is scheduled to continue for 18 months aims to provide all required theoretical knowledge, develop the leadership and management skills relevant to implement the activities related to port security and enhance the positive attitudes which help to promote the capabilities of the port security personnel.

[mappress]

Source: Sri Lanka Ports Authority, July 27, 2012