SICCI’s executive members with SIPA’s CEO Mr Eranda Kotelawala (center)

EXECUTIVE members of the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) on Tuesday hosted a courtesy visit by the new CEO of Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA), Mr Eranda Kotelawala.

The CEO was met by SICCI Chairman, Jay Bartlett, Board Treasurer, Jan Arie Smit, SICCI’s CEO, Dennis Meone and Business Analyst, Charles Perrson.

The meeting was the first formal opportunity for SICCI to meet the new CEO and formally welcome him in his new role.

It was a fruitful engagement where both parties acknowledged the fundamental roles they play in the business environment and the importance of working closely to address some of the issues regarding Ports, including improving efficiency within the Ports.

In his remarks, Chairman, Mr Bartlett welcomed Mr Kotelawala and offered SICCI’s strong support and willingness to work closely with SIPA.

“SICCI is a member driven organisation and as the peak body representing the private sector we are always willing to collaborate, explore opportunities and harness support to assist ongoing efforts to improve efficiency within SIPA,” says Mr Bartlett.

In addition, SICCI’s CEO Mr Meone acknowledges the fact that SIPA remains an important stakeholder of the business community, and SICCI values ongoing dialogue and sharing of information so that businesses are better informed and kept engaged in SIPA’s long term plans.

Mr Kotelawala briefly talked about his plans for SIPA which includes working closely with important stakeholders such as SICCI, the business community, port users and shipping agents. One of the top priorities according to Mr Kotelawala is to improve the overall efficiency at the ports.

SICCI looks forward to working closely with the new CEO, the SIPA Board, and SIPA management, and strongly supports their efforts to improve the efficiency of ports in Solomon Islands.

–SICCI PRESS