Capt. Ajith Peiris takes helm at CASA

Tuesday, 9 September 2014 01:52 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Captain Ajith Peiris, the Group Managing Director of Ceyline Group of Companies, the most diversified maritime group in Sri Lanka, was recently elected the 24th Chairman of the Ceylon Association of Ships Agents (CASA). This is the second time Capt. Peiris has been elected the Chairman of CASA. He served as Chairman from 2006 to 2009. Speaking at the AGM, Capt. Peiris called on all parties to work together to bring prosperity to the country and to achieve Maritime Hub status for Sri Lanka.

The CASA, which held its Annual General Meeting recently at the Kingsbury Hotel Colombo, is the largest and most recognised shipping industry trade body in Sri Lanka, established 70 years ago. Today, this prestigious organisation represents 130 shipping agency companies including most of the major international shipping lines, acting as the leading voice for Sri Lanka’s fast growing maritime industry. Collectively, the CASA represents main liners, feeder ships, passenger ships, break bulk vessel agencies, agencies for casual callers, maritime security firms and agencies for vessels calling for bunker, repairs, supplies and other ancillary services of the maritime industry. The economic activities of CASA members add over $ 300 million to the Sri Lankan economy every year, and markets Sri Lanka as a key maritime destination within the ocean trade routes. CASA was formed as a Shipping Committee in the year 1944. It was registered as an Association in 1966 and was known as Ceylon Association of Steamer Agents (CASA). It was subsequently renamed as Ceylon Association of Ships Agents.