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Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister
Nimal Siripala de Silva
Ports, Shipping, and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva on Tuesday, addressed the Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) 2023, highlighting the Indian Ocean’s significance in fostering security, peace and sustainability; emphasising Asia’s vibrant economy in global affairs.
He represented Sri Lanka, hosted at the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority Ground, organised by the Indian Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Ministry, in collaboration with the Indian Ports Association and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. The three-day summit is set to delve into pivotal areas of the maritime sector. These include discussions on ports of the future, decarbonisation, finance, innovation, safety, security and maritime tourism.
The event was virtually inaugurated by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and witnessed the presence of distinguished figures including Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Governor of Maharashtra Shri Ramesh Bais, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Eknath Shinde and Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant alongside Ministers from 11 countries.
Minister de Silva extended gratitude to the Indian Government on behalf of President Ranil Wickremesinghe, the Sri Lankan maritime community, and the people of Sri Lanka. He pointed out that the summit promises to be a crucial platform for dialogues on maritime connectivity and industry advancement in the Indo-Pacific region.
Highlighting Sri Lanka’s strategic location as an island nation, he echoed the summit’s theme, ‘Connect, Collaborate and Create’, stressing the need for collective efforts to ensure equal opportunities for all nations, including smaller and landlocked countries. The Minister commended the Indian Government for initiating discussions on maritime connectivity, industry, and utilisation.
The Minister expressed hope for in-depth discussions at the summit, with the hope of formulating policies, legislation, and international cooperation that benefit the global community.
Minister de Silva is slated to discuss possibilities in the maritime sector between India and Sri Lanka, including the opening of ferry services, and share insights on Colombo’s experience as a model transhipment port in Asia during various sessions.
Following Minister de Silva’s address, leaders including the Chief Ministers of Goa and Maharashtra, the Governor of Maharashtra, and the Union Minister of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways and Ministry of Ayush shared their insights.
Over the next three days, the summit will feature more than 80 international speakers, over 100 Indian speakers, and over 3,000 industry delegates.
