Chamber of Marine Industries charts new course; appoints leadership, outlines ambitious goals

The maritime landscape of Sri Lanka witnessed a momentous occasion on Wednesday, 13 March, as the Chamber of Marine Industries of Sri Lanka convened its Annual General Meeting (AGM). This gathering marked a significant milestone in the nation’s maritime journey, uniting industry leaders, experts, and visionaries. 

Representing the State sector, the AGM was graced and addressed by Sri Lanka Standards Institute (SLSI) Director General Dr. Siddhika Senaratne, Export Development Board (EDB) Chairman Dr. Kingsley Bernard, Ministry of Industries Additional Secretary Chaminda Pathiraja, and Director General of Merchant Shipping (DGMS) Ajith Wijesinghe.

Port Authority Director Marketing Nirmal Fonseka, MOI Director Elapatha, MOI Assistant Director B. Kunalini, and EDB Asst. Directors Mangala Maduwanthi and Diani Maduka participated.

Leadership and expertise

At the heart of this pivotal event were the appointments that will shape the Chamber’s trajectory. Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa, a seasoned industry stalwart, assumed the mantle of Chairman for the term 2024-2025. His leadership promises to steer Sri Lanka’s marine sector toward prosperity. Accompanying him are two distinguished advisors: Dr. Sarath Obeysekera and Gamini Herath—both luminaries in their own right.

The newly constituted board boasts an impressive lineup of directors, each contributing their wealth of experience.

Among them are:

• Rear Admiral (Rtd) D.K. Dassanayake Managing Director, Seven Sails Shipping & Maritime Ltd.
• Shiran Dissanayake Chairman ABC Shipping Ltd.
• Akalanka Rathnayake, Managing Director International Marine Services Ltd.
• Sumithra Fernando, President of Kalutara & Galle Boat Manufacturer’s Association
• Adityavikram More, Executive Director, Morex Lanka
• Sharzan Perera (Shan), Director/CEO Neil Marine
• Isuru Gunatilaka, Managing Director, Ascentra Oceanic Corporation Ltd.
• Professor Terney Pradeep, Department of Oceanography, University of Ruhuna
• Mario Stubbs, Managing Director of Sail Lanka Charter
• Ricky Barnett, Director, Hemas Mobility
• Sanjeewa Jayatilake, representing Colombo Dockyard PLC
• Jagath Adipola, Technical Director, Solar Impulse Ltd.
  
   

Celebrating milestones

A crowning achievement was the resounding success of the Boat and Marine Show 2023 at the Port City Marina in October along with which drew numerous visitors from various countries. With around 100 exhibition booths, it was a testament to the global interest and participation in the marine industry.

The conference, themed “Boating as a Lifestyle” held in partnership with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board, the Ministry of Tourism, and the Ministry of Industries, highlighted the potential, vibrancy, issues, and regulatory solutions to promote the recreational boating sector, nationally and internationally.

The chamber is working closely with the Export Development Board, Ministry of Industries, Ministry of Tourism, Port Authority, and Fishery Harbors Corporation to implement the above points.

The CMISL attended the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) conference on 23 and 24 April in Singapore where the Chairman, Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa, presented Sri Lanka boating industry’s current situation and potential. The conference was followed by a visit to the Singapore Yachting Festival from 25 to 18 April. This event provides an excellent platform for showcasing Sri Lanka’s marine industry prowess and fostering international partnerships.

The Chamber of Marine Industries of Sri Lanka sets sail toward a new horizon, guided by visionary leadership and a shared commitment to a thriving maritime future.