The Sri Lanka Ports Authority Act No. 51 of 1979 established the SLPA by amalgamating Colombo Port Commission, Port (Cargo) Corporation and Port Tally and Protective Services Corporation on August 01st 1979. The purpose of SLPA was to develop, maintain, operate and provide port and other services in the ports of Colombo, Galle, Trincomalee and other "specified ports".