Institute of Shipping and Logistics celebrates 3 decades with new diploma courses

The Institute of Shipping and Logistics, established in 1981, which is the pioneer training institute in Sri Lanka for maritime studies and transport, celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.  

The institute, in its early years, began by conducting professional courses in Shipping and Transport on behalf of reputed British professional bodies which conducted their examinations in Sri Lanka, including the London Chamber of Commerce. The lectures during that time were conducted during week-day evenings and were delivered by an elite panel of lecturers.  

This expert panel included names such as Dr. Anil Vitharna, former General Manager of Ceylon Shipping Corporation, and also an Expert on Marititme Law;  the late John Diandas, Chartered Accountant and Transport Consultant, who gifted his entire and priceless library on Transport to the University of Moratuwa; Rohan J. Abeywickrema, well-known shipping professional; Gihan Warusavitarne, ex-Ceylon Shipping Corporation and former Marketing Manager of APL and Maersk Line, and currently CEO and Course Director, IOSL;  Hemantha Jayanetti, ex-Ceylon Shipping Corp. and currently the Chairman of Cinec Maritime Institute; H.A. Premaratne, Senior Transport Consultant, and Jagath Savanadasa, former Director-General of the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka.

The Institute and its courses were formally inaugurated in 1981 at the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, with the participation of S.S. Jayawickrema, then Secretary General of the Ceylon Chamber, the late John Diandas, Eardley Fernando of the CTB, Jagath Savanadasa of the National Chamber and Professor Dayantha Wijesekera, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Moratuwa, as the chief guest.

In the year 2000, the Institute formulated its own “Foundation Diploma Course in Shipping and Logistics”, having recognised the need for a suitable training course for young Shipping and  Freight forwarding executives, beginners and employees in the import-export sector.  

This course consists of 20 modules and of 5 months duration, is currently conducted on Sunday mornings at the Ladies College Department of Vocational Studies, 27th Lane, Colombo 3. This foundation Diploma course is endorsed and recommended by leading Chambers and Business Leaders.  To celebrate its 30th anniversary, the IOSL has decided to conduct a “Special Class” on Saturday afternoons for those students and working employees who are unable to attend the Diploma programme on Sundays.  This new Saturday programme is of 5 months duration and will commence on Saturday, 11 June at the same venue.

In the year 2007 the Institute was selected by the Ministry of Higher Education as a training provider, and conducted a 9 months fulltime course in Shipping and Freight Forwarding for ‘A’ Level completers who could not enter a university. This programme was funded by the Asian Development Bank.

The Institute of Shipping and Logistics is also privileged to represent the internationally famous Institute of Export (UK), which offers the only internationally recognised and respected professional qualification in ‘International Trade’.  Students who succeed in the IOE examinations can achieve the professional qualifications AMIEX and MIEX after which they can proceed to read for an Honours Degree in International Trade (UK) and also a MBA from a recognised British University whilst being resident in Sri Lanka. Very affordable course fees which are difficult to match have been offered by the IOE / UK, with a view to encouraging candidates from Sri Lanka to obtain professional qualifications in ‘International Trade’.

As part of their anniversary package, the Institute has collaborated with European principals and is offering a ‘Cruise Ship Diploma’ course of 6 months duration, which enables successful candidates to seek employment in six-star luxury cruise liners operating in the international tourism industry.  

As opposed to the  normal cargo or merchant ships, these luxury cruise liners offer more than 50 different job  categories which include accountants, receptionists, entertainers, purses, cabin steward/ess, nurses, bartenders, carpenters, casino staff, gift shop managers, guest relations officers, and sales assistants, security officers, shore excursions staff, stewards, waiters, chefs, hotel staff, etc., etc.

Employment on a cruise ship offers beginners a very lucrative career where the salaries range from Rs. 180,000 to Rs. 280,000 per month. The Institute also provides bespoke — client specific and customised in-house training programmes on behalf of corporate clients which include shipping companies, freight forwarding and import-export firms.

 These programmes may be of one to two months duration and provide training in shipping, logistics, international trade and marketing. The Institute can be contacted via e-mail: [email protected] and Tel. 2853232, 0777 891767.