H. J. K. U. Kumara
Director – Marketing & Business Development
Sri Lanka Ports Authority
H. J. K. U. Kumara is a distinguished maritime and port-sector professional with 30 years of extensive experience in terminal operations, port management, marketing and business development, strategic planning, administration, and resource management. Throughout his career with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), he has held a succession of senior leadership positions, acquiring broad expertise in managing complex operational environments, leading multidisciplinary teams, optimizing resources, and driving strategic initiatives towards sustainable organizational outcomes.
He currently serves as Director – Marketing & Business Development at the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), providing strategic leadership in strengthening the competitive position of SLPA, identifying and developing new business opportunities, enhancing customer and stakeholder relationships, and fostering strategic partnerships with leading global shipping lines. Through his current portfolio, he contributes to strengthening the commercial and strategic positioning of the Port of Colombo within the regional and international maritime landscape.
Prior to his current appointment, Mr. Kumara held several key senior positions within the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, including Chief Human Resource Manager, Chief Operations Manager, Deputy Chief Operations Manager, Senior Operations Manager – Jaya Container Terminal, Senior Operations Manager – Logistics, and Chief Manager – Welfare & Industrial Relations. These appointments have provided him with extensive and diverse exposure to container and conventional cargo operations, logistics, human resource management, industrial relations, and port administration, further strengthening his capabilities in strategic and operational leadership.
Among his notable professional contributions is his involvement in the implementation of the NAVIS SPARCS Terminal Management System at JCT, supporting the modernization and technological advancement of terminal operations. He has also been closely involved in the implementation of the Colombo East Container Terminal (ECT), a mega semi-automated container terminal, contributing to the continued modernization and development of Sri Lanka's port infrastructure.
Mr. Kumara holds an MSc in Maritime Affairs from Malmö, Sweden, and a BSc (Honours) in Mathematics from the University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. He is a Chartered Member of the Institute of Logistics & Transport and has further enhanced his professional competencies through international scholarship and development programmes in leadership and management, maritime affairs, and trade facilitation.
With a distinguished career encompassing strategic leadership, operational excellence, commercial acumen, and extensive maritime-sector expertise, Mr. Kumara continues to contribute to the advancement, competitiveness, and sustainable growth of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority and Sri Lanka's maritime sector.
