Port & Shipping Ministry to host SOLAS convention

The Ports and Shipping Ministry has decided to hold the Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) convention for the first time in Sri Lanka from 1 July.

According to Director General of Merchant and Shipping Ajith Seneviratne, being a member of the International Maritime Organisation was the main reason to bring this convention to Sri Lanka. 

“We are obligated to act according to accords of the International Maritime Organisation. Accordingly we have introduced a new law as a convention for the safety of life. When Sri Lanka is engaged in international trade activities it is necessary to certify the weight of every vessel,” he said. 

The SOLAS convention with the expectation of increasing the security of container ships, maintaining stability and balance of ships, storing containers properly and minimizing environmental impact. 

The Merchant Shipping Secretariat Office has taken steps to publish and implement guidance procedures and instructions to issue required certificates. It will work as Sri Lanka’s hub in the United Nation and International Maritime Organisation.