By Samah Muhseen  

The Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) recently announced a call for bids from interested parties to operate an international port-related supply centre on a designated 10-acre plot located adjacent to the deep-water container terminals in the Port of Colombo. 

The minimum criterion for an eligible local company is to produce an annual revenue of at least Rs.15 billion in three of the previous six fiscal years, while the foreign entities are to produce an annual turnover of at least US $ 50 million for the same period.  Consortiums are to provide proof of a combined revenue exceeding Rs.15 billion, which should be confirmed by the audited financial reports. 

“The amount of bid security shall be US $ 1 million and must be an unconditional guarantee issued by a bank operating in Sri Lanka and approved by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka,” the SLPA stated in the notice. 

The amount can also be directly deposited in cash to the finance division of the SLPA. 

The tender applications and guideline documents can be obtained from the office of the Chief Manager of Premises and Land Management Division for a non-refundable fee of Rs.100,000 (US $ 325), including applicable taxes, which will be charged as administrative costs. 

Documents can be obtained on all weekdays between August 05 and August 26.  The completed bids are to be submitted to the Chief Manager of the division by 2:00 p.m. on August 27, 2024. 

The shortlisted bidder will enter into a lease agreement with the SLPA for a term of 35 years, according to the notice. 

Moreover, the interested bidders or their authorised representatives are invited to attend the proposal opening by the tender board, taking place on the premises of the Land Management Division, at 2:30 p.m., on Tuesday, August 27. 

Further information on the event can be obtained from the Acting Deputy Chief Manager of the division. 

The SLPA further noted that it would not be responsible for any costs incurred by any party in connection with any event of the bidding process.