South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) is steadily transforming the landscape of Sri Lanka’s maritime sector by creating meaningful opportunities for women. As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2026, SAGT reaffirms its commitment to building an inclusive workplace where women can thrive, lead and shape the future of port operations.
Gender inclusivity is a central pillar of SAGT’s sustainability strategy. The company has implemented progressive policies and practices that promote a safe, equitable and supportive working environment. These include a comprehensive anti-sexual harassment policy, the introduction of a paternity leave policy that encourages shared parental responsibilities, and targeted initiatives designed to encourage women to explore non-traditional roles within terminal operations.
Over the years, SAGT has achieved several key milestones in advancing women’s participation in the maritime sector. The company appointed its first female professional to the Health, Safety and Environment Department in 2018, followed by its first female engineer in 2019. That same year also marked another significant breakthrough with the appointment of the first female member to SAGT’s Senior Management Team, an achievement that helped shatter long-standing gender stereotypes within port operations.
A landmark development occurred in September 2024 when SAGT secured regulatory approval for female employees to work night shifts in select operational roles, an important step in a sector that operates around the clock. This pioneering initiative enabled women to participate in critical operational functions previously inaccessible due to regulatory restrictions. Today, 13 women have been integrated into these roles, increasing the company’s female workforce representation from 4.4% to 6.3%.
Importantly, the integration of women into operational roles at SAGT reflects a broader cultural shift within the organisation. Through mentorship, training and structured career development programmes, women are encouraged to build technical expertise and leadership capabilities across multiple functions of the terminal. These efforts are helping cultivate a pipeline of skilled female professionals who can contribute meaningfully to the efficiency, safety and innovation of port operations. By investing in talent development and inclusive workplace practices, SAGT continues to demonstrate that diversity strengthens organisational performance and drives sustainable growth across the maritime and logistics sector.
Beyond creating opportunities within the organisation, SAGT also recognises the importance of contributing to broader industry transformation. The company actively supports initiatives that encourage greater female participation in transport and logistics careers, helping inspire young women to consider professions that were once viewed as outside traditional career pathways. This is achieved by partnering with like minded industry associations to raise industry-wide awareness on the subject. The company is also a signatory to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles and an active member of the IFC-led SheWorks partnership, collaborating with global and industry stakeholders to promote gender equity across logistics and maritime sectors.
Looking ahead, technological advancements in the port industry are expected to further expand opportunities for women. As digitalisation and automation reshape terminal operations, innovations such as remotely operated cranes will create new pathways for women to take on operational roles that were previously considered unconventional.
Equally important is SAGT’s focus on developing future leaders. The company maintains a performance appraisal system designed to be free from bias, ensuring equal opportunities for both male and female employees. Today, women represent 11% of SAGT’s Senior Management Team, reflecting the organisation’s growing commitment to leadership diversity.
“SAGT remains deeply committed to building an inclusive workplace where talent and capability define opportunity,” said SAGT’s Chief Commercial Officer, Ted Muttiah. “As we continue to expand opportunities for women within our organisation, we also hope to inspire broader progress across Sri Lanka’s port and logistics sector.”
By challenging norms, opening doors and investing in inclusive policies, SAGT is not only empowering women within its organisation but also helping reshape the future of the maritime industry in Sri Lanka, proving that progress is strongest when everyone has the opportunity to lead.
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 a competitive best in class service. A pioneer in sustainable terminal operations, SAGT continues to steer course for a sustainable future. Promoting “Ease of doing business” through digitalization and digitization is an integral part of SAGT’s DNA. SAGT is a recipient of multiple independent globally recognized “best practice” awards since inception.
SAGT is a Board of Investment flagship company whose shareholders include – John Keells Holdings, Maersk/APM Terminals, SLPA and Evergreen Marine Corporation.
