SOLOMON Islands Ports Authority (SIPA) is expecting a major reform in the next six months.

New CEO of SIPA Mr Eranda Kotelawala made the announcement during his first official meeting, following his appointment, yesterday.

He said SIPA will carry out a thorough analysis and this includes investigation and consultation on the existing reform programme.

Mr Kotelawala told those present that his office will facilitate a study to find best approach to re-assess the existing reform plan.

“It is important to know the existing issues affecting users in terms of access to Ports facilities, Ports administration and expected services before tackling further programmes,” he explained.

Mr Kotelawala said the approach to draw up the new work plan will be holistic so that reforms and new work plan suits the country shipping industry.

He said his office is putting effort to speed up the process so that a master plan is ready within the next six months.

Meanwhile Mr Kotelawala said support from every stakeholder, NGO and player within the shipping industry is very important to draw up the new master plan.

“We are all part of this industry so feel free to consult SIPA board and myself on any issues worth consideration.

“There is no time for the past, I want to start new and fresh with new but collective ideas to move this industry forward.

“You have my guarantee that we will work on this step by step until we see a proper road access to success,” he said.

Mr Kotelawala said a first meeting to kick start idea sharing in effort to draw up the new work plan is schedule to be held next month.

He said he is confident that the new work plan will be completed within the next six month.

Mr Kotelawala took time to meet with representative from the local Shipping Agents yesterday.

The meeting was organised to provide an opportunity for an open dialog to give him (Mr Kotelawala) an oversight of existing issues affecting shipping Agents.