Browsing by Author "Edirisinghe, L"

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item: Conference-Full-text
Analysis of geopolitical and economic threats to the Port of Colombo
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2021-10) Gunawardana, JRNT; Edirisinghe, L; Gunaruwan, TL
The port of Colombo is the main seaport in Sri Lanka which operates as a transhipment hub in South Asia. However, the various scenarios that have been favourable to the port of Colombo to date, not remain the same. Identifying the geopolitical and economic threats to the port of Colombo is vital to safeguard and plan its future. The general objective of this study is to identify geopolitical and economic threats to the Port of Colombo. Twenty-six variables were identified as threats to the port of Colombo and their impacts discussed through a literature survey. Explorative factor analysis and reliability analysis were conducted to get the result. Among twenty-six variables, twenty-three remain threats to the port. Results show three dimensions of threats : “Threats from operational aspects”, “Threats from policy-making decisions”, and “Threats associated with the Future”. Finally, the study concludes that, with rising geopolitical and economic threats, port of Colombo may not raise Sri Lanka into a logistic hub in 2025.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
The benefits of container exchange between carriers: a case study
(Sri Lanka Society for Transport and Logistics, 2016-06) Edirisinghe, L; Zhihong, J; Gunaruwan, TL
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
An index to evaluate carrier competence in container inventory management
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2017-07) Edirisinghe, L; Jin, Z; Wijeratne, AW; Gunaruwan, TL
item: Conference-Abstract
Selection of an algorithm to operationalize virtual container yards
(Sri Lanka Society of Transport and Logistics, 2019-09) Edirisinghe, H; Edirisinghe, L; Mudunkotuwa, R; Gunaruwan, TL
This paper evaluates the factors that should be considered when introducing an algorithm to optimise virtual container yards. A virtual container yard is a modern container inventory management system which minimises empty container reposition costs incurred by container shipping lines. A combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches has been applied, and dimension reduction factor analysis was used to analyse data. This survey was conducted in Sri Lanka. Sixteen out of the “Top 20” container shipping lines (CSL) that carry approximately 75 percent of global container capacity (alphaliner.com, 2014) are represented in Sri Lanka. Therefore, the sample is expected to be reflective of the general view of the global shipping industry. Qualitative and quantitative methods were used to collect data. The opinion survey was conducted through a questionnaire distributed to one hundred and twenty shipping companies registered under the Ceylon Association of Ships’ Agents (CASA), an association comprising 135 members, and the 14-member Sri Lanka Association of Vessel Operators. According to industry experts, major decisions with respect to containers are usually taken in consultation with chief executive, operation manager, and container controller (three strata). Usually every agent has at least one employee from each stratum. This study reveals that, in developing an algorithm for VCY, factors relevant to software requirements as well as the availability of specific hardware or operating systems required to run the software, underlying databases, and hardware platforms play important role. There is a risk in software due to problems arising from failure to consider some important aspects of the architecture necessary for successful system construction. This remains a real concern in this software as well - especially given the complex nature of the shipping business. The consistency and coherence of the overall design, the ability of the system to undergo changes with a degree of ease, and the ability for components and subsystems to be put to suitable use in other applications and other scenarios play a major role in selection. Given trends in the container market the user needs to consider whether this product will have future utility. It is a concern whether this product will provide the flexibility to make changes the company foresees or meet different needs and working practices because the container inventory management practices vary substantially from CSL to CSL. Functionality is another key issue. The service provider needs time to outline the end user’s needs and ensure all requirements are met in terms of functionality. The investment in this software or even subscription should follow thereafter. A pilot program would be ideal. User friendliness was considered a key factor in the process, and authors suggest that further research be conducted based on the identified components: namely Qualifiers, Access, Utility, and Quality using structural equation modelling with SMARTPLS; thereafter analysing the formative and reflective nature of these variables.