Meals for the Sri Lanka Ports Authority employees are provided three times daily from this kitchen. During the latter part of the previous administration, a decision was made under a former Minister’s orders to tender the kitchen to the private sector. This facility, which provides approximately 5,500 to 6,000 meals for breakfast and lunch and around 3,000 to 3,500 meals for dinner, plays a highly valuable role within the port. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, it also provided meals for military and police personnel involved in related duties, as well as for officers at the Presidential Secretariat and Prime Minister’s Office.
“One of the largest kitchens in South Asia, known as the Port Kitchen, has been reinstated under the port’s management through the intervention of the Minister”
As such, it is crucial to maintain this significant facility under internal management, especially during special occasions when it plays an important role. Officials have noted that this kitchen is regarded as the largest in South Asia. Under the direction of the new Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports, and Civil Aviation, Vijitha Herath, the decision to privatize the kitchen has been immediately revoked.
Accordingly, the Port Kitchen will continue to operate internally, with improvements in the taste and quality of the food to ensure that staff can work with satisfaction. Minister Vijitha Herath has instructed that the kitchen be maintained to meet these standards. Furthermore, the Minister, who has personally intervened in this matter, has advised officials to assess and address any shortcomings, provide new equipment, and enhance the kitchen’s facilities. In appreciation of this decision to focus on the essential role of the kitchen, port workers have expressed their gratitude to Minister Vijitha Herath.”
