THE Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SICCI) is delighted to welcome the new CEO for Solomon Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) Eranda Kotelawala.

The Chamber joins other stakeholders in welcoming Mr Kotelawala noting that his appointment is timely and with his leadership SIPA will continue to grow building on the positive changes that have been made to date at ports, including continuing to concentrate on performing its core activities, and improving efficiency within the Ports.

SICCI also applauds the outgoing CEO, Mike Wate for his leadership in bringing stability, re-establishing trust and relationship amongst businesses and providing strategic direction in what was a difficult time for SIPA.

SICCI wishes to thank Mr Wate for his commitment and contribution in leading SIPA and exceedingly managed to normalise the situation of SIPA over the past nine months.

Wate was instrumental in rebuilding relationship with many stakeholders especially ports users, the business community and for improving business confidence in SIPA.

“The job done by the interim CEO Mike Wate to put the Ports operation back to its feet is something that deserves high acknowledgement,” says SICCI CEO Dennis Meone.

“His fine work at SIPA has set a smooth transition for Eranda Kotelawala. We look forward to the leadership of Mr Kotelawala.”

In late 2016, SICCI members were informed about SIPA’s plans and operations for the first time after the SIPA saga.

SICCI also congratulates the SIPA Board in the new appointment and sees the new leadership as an indication of the SIPA Board’s commitment to continually improve Ports operation and deliver high quality services to ports users.

The SIPA Board this week emphasised that Mr Wate had improved SIPA’s compliance to its statutory obligations, settlement with the labour union and re-engaging with the community and major shipping lines.

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