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Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva with Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay
Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva last week confirmed Sri Lanka will participate in the 2023 Global Maritime Summit, which will be held in Mumbai, India from 17 to 29 October.
The High Commission of India organised a Curtain Raiser in Colombo on 22 September for the Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS). Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister de Silva attended the event as the Chief Guest, Indian Ports, Shipping and Waterways Ministry Secretary T.K. Ramachandran and senior officials from the Indian External Affairs Ministry and the Indian Ports, Shipping and Waterways Ministry attended the event virtually.
The Indian High Commissioner Gopal Baglay, senior officials from the Government of Sri Lanka and Captains of business and industry, were also present at the event.
Thanking the Government of India for inviting him to the Global Maritime India Summit, Minister de Silva emphasised the importance of close collaboration, exchange of knowledge and adaptation of new technology for the growth of the maritime sector.
He appreciated Indian investment in port development in Sri Lanka and highlighted the desire of both governments to work closely to develop the industrial zone at Trincomalee. The minister recalled India’s support in establishing air connectivity between Jaffna and Chennai and announced the early commencement of ferry services between the two countries.
He also said Sri Lanka will take steps to submit a series of proposals at the conference.
Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, informed that the Global Maritime India Summit is a flagship event aimed at propelling the Indian maritime economy by promoting global and regional partnerships and facilitating investments.
The High Commissioner welcomed the participation of the delegation from Sri Lanka, led by the Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister de Silva at the three-day summit in India, which will bring together global maritime players, policymakers and regulators, key opinion leaders and industry leaders through a series of engaging dialogues, forums and knowledge exchange platforms.
He further mentioned that the event will give an opportunity for the Government of Sri Lanka to attract greater investment from India in the development of its maritime infrastructure. It will also facilitate greater business-to-business interactions.
The High Commissioner stressed the importance of cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in the maritime sector.
He highlighted that both Governments are working on enhancing sea connectivity, as mentioned in the vision document launched by the leaders during the recent visit of the President of Sri Lanka to India.
The High Commissioner thanked the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation for confirming participation at the forthcoming summit in India in October 2023 and announced that Sri Lanka has been accorded the status of ‘Partner Country’ at the summit.
Ports, Shipping and Waterways Ministry Secretary informed that the Global Maritime India Summit is a flagship event aimed at propelling the Indian maritime economy by promoting global and regional partnerships and facilitating investments.
He welcomed the participation of the delegation from Sri Lanka, led by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation at the three-day summit in India, which will bring together global maritime players, policymakers and regulators, key opinion leaders and industry leaders through a series of engaging dialogues, forums and knowledge exchange platforms.
He further mentioned that the event would allow the Government of Sri Lanka to attract greater investment from India in the development of its maritime infrastructure. It will also facilitate greater business-to-business interactions.
South Asia Gateway Terminals (SAGT) CEO Romesh David highlighted the potential of India-Sri Lanka collaboration in the maritime sector in catalysing the economic development of the entire region.
Senior officials from prominent Associations like the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Indo Lanka Chamber of Commerce, Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents, Association of Container Transporters, Sri Lanka Logistics and Freight Forwarders Association, Hub Operators Association of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Logistics Providers Association, Sri Lanka Shipper’s Council, International Chamber of Commerce, attended the event.
