South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) won a Special Jury Award in the corporate sector at the inaugural DEI Champions Awards 2025 for their outstanding commitment and innovative practices in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace. The award, organised by the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce under the SCOPE Programme and co-financed by the European Union and German Federal Foreign Office, and implemented by GIZ Sri Lanka in partnership with the Ministry of Justice and National Integration recognises Sri Lankan businesses leading inclusive workplace practices.
SAGT has pioneered DEI initiatives in Sri Lanka’s port sector through its zero-tolerance discrimination policy. The company was the first Port of Colombo terminal to introduce anti-sexual harassment and paternity leave policies, establishing the foundation for inclusive workplace standards.
Gender equality remains central to SAGT’s DEI strategy. The company has systematically expanded opportunities for women in traditionally male-dominated port operations, breaking down barriers through strategic appointments and regulatory innovation. SAGT appointed the first female to its Health, Safety and Environment Department in 2018, its first female engineer in 2019, and its first female Senior Management Team member, shattering gender stereotypes whilst creating pathways for women in maritime operations.
Recognising that Port of Colombo regulations prevent women from entering premises after 6:00PM—disqualifying them from most opportunities in 24/7 port operations—SAGT obtained special regulatory approval to integrate women in shift-based roles. As of January 2025, twelve females work in shift-based positions, increasing female representation from 4.4% in 2024 to 6.3% in 2025.
SAGT’s senior leadership provides unwavering advocacy for diversity, delivering clear strategic direction for advancing DEI initiatives. In 2024 SAGT’s Chief Commercial Officer, Ted Muttiah was recognized as a Champion of Diversity by Women in Management Sri Lanka for his efforts to advance gender diversity in the workplace.
“This award underscores SAGT’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion,” stated Chief Operating Officer & SAGT Diversity Ambassador 2024/25 Upul Jinadasa. “As industry pioneers, we remain dedicated to creating pathways for underrepresented groups, particularly women, to thrive in the port sector by creating equal opportunities in a traditionally male-dominated environment. Our efforts have opened opportunities for women in Sri Lanka’s port sector that were previously inaccessible, and we remain committed to enhancing our DEI practices whilst standing as an example for other organisations to follow.”
South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT), Sri Lanka’s first Public Private Partnership container terminal, commenced operations in 1999 with a vision to be the most trusted Gateway in the Indian Ocean. Built on a foundation of Teamwork, Safety, Trust and Integrity, Customer Centricity & Excellence, SAGT presents the international trading community with a competitive best in class service. A pioneer in sustainable terminal operations, SAGT continues to steer the course for a sustainable future. Promoting “Ease of doing business” through digitalisation and digitisation is an integral part of SAGT’s DNA. SAGT is a recipient of multiple independent globally recognised “best practice” awards since its inception.
SAGT is a Board of Investment flagship company whose shareholders include John Keells Holdings, Maersk/APM Terminals, SLPA and Evergreen Marine Corporation.
