Dr Parakrama Dissanayake officially assumed duties as Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) on 17 February 2026, marking his third tenure at the helm of the national ports regulator and operator.
A seasoned maritime professional, Dr Dissanayake brings decades of experience in port management, shipping, logistics, and corporate leadership. He has previously served twice as Chairman of the SLPA and has held senior leadership roles across both public and private sectors. His corporate career includes key positions at Aitken Spence PLC and its subsidiaries, where he contributed to the growth of maritime, logistics, and integrated supply chain operations.
Internationally recognised, Dr Dissanayake made history as the first non-British President of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (UK). He has also participated in advisory initiatives linked to the United Nations, contributing to global maritime and trade policy discussions.
In his new term, Dr Dissanayake is expected to prioritise operational efficiency, digital transformation, and infrastructure optimisation across Sri Lanka’s port network. Strengthening logistics performance and reinforcing the country’s status as a competitive regional maritime hub are likely to form key pillars of his leadership agenda.
