CICT launches strategic collaborative partnership with University of Moratuwa

CICT CEO Jack Huang and Moratuwa University Vice Chancellor Snr. Prof. N. D. Gunewardena (5th and 6th from left respectively) with representatives of CICT and the University at the signing of the MoU

Colombo International Container Terminals (CICT) has entered into a milestone collaboration agreement with the University of Moratuwa (UoM), creating a broad framework for a closer strategic alignment of academia and the logistics and engineering industries.

A Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two entities outlines the parameters of a partnership that will encompass placement of the university’s graduates in management trainee programs at CICT, the creation of an internship program and mentoring and career guidance sessions for undergraduates, the development of continuous professional development at the university for CICT personnel, and a collaborative research and service audit program involving both organisations. 

Commenting on the launch of this landmark initiative, CICT CEO Jack Huang said: “This close-knit partnership between academia and industry holds the promise of nurturing a talent pool equipped with practical skills, industry knowledge, and a deep understanding of real-world challenges. This collaboration between CICT and the University of Moratuwa will be a beacon for similar ventures, illustrating the potential for synergistic partnerships that drive innovation, learning, and economic progress in Sri Lanka’s engineering landscape.”

The Management Trainee (MT) program to be introduced at CICT under the agreement will accommodate graduates of the university who have obtained BSc (Hons.) in Transport and Logistics Management, Transport Management and Logistics Engineering, while the Internship program will be for undergraduates of the same degree programs, the Company said.

In the sphere of research, the University of Moratuwa has undertaken to establish professional teams to collaborate in various research activities to conduct service audits on both Operations and Engineering functions at CICT and to submit a report on standard compliance status and possible areas for improvement.

With these collaborations, CICT aims to provide job-based training opportunities for young people aspiring to pursue careers in logistics and transport. The objective of the partnership is to source potential and qualified candidates for the Management Trainee pool of CICT and to train and develop aspiring youth for future leadership roles in the industry as an Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiative of CICT that contributes to society.

Adjudged the Best Container Terminal in Asia in the Under 4 million TEUs category for seven years consecutively, CICT handles more than half of Sri Lanka’s import and export trade volume. Located at a strategic point on the Maritime Silk Road, CICT currently serves 30 shipping routes and serves as a hub for numerous shipping companies on the Far East to Europe routes.

CICT is the flagship overseas terminal of China Merchants Port Holdings Company Limited (CMPort), the largest and a globally competitive public port developer, investor and operator in China with investments in Mainland China, Hong Kong and overseas. CMPort has a port network portfolio spanning 50 ports in 26 countries and regions. Guided by the vision “to be a world class comprehensive port service provider” and supported by its domestic, overseas and innovation strategies, CMPort strives to strengthen its core competencies in global, port services and management.