Friday Nov 08, 2024
FT
Friday Nov 08, 2024
Thursday, 22 September 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
As the Chief Guest of the first ever Colombo International Maritime Conference in 2015, I was very impressed in the manner in which this Government-approved conference was conducted. Therefore, I was happy to respond to the request made by the organising committee to be the patron of the event from 2016 onwards as Speaker of the Parliament, as this event brings a national importance to the development of the country.
On behalf of the Government of Sri Lanka I’m encouraged and honoured not only as the speaker but as a member of the shipping fraternity to be associated with CIMC 2016. The maritime industry is a vital link for global trade and international cooperation. Given the past history of Sri Lanka where it contributed immensely to regional and global trade, we are once again in a position to take a lead role in Asia by linking the east-west shipping corridor with value added services.
It is my view that the present Government as well as future governments will give utmost priority to develop the Sri Lanka’s maritime capabilities to reap the benefits for wealth creation and employment. It is with confidence that I believe that Sri Lanka will emerge as a leading maritime centre brining in benefits to citizens of Sri Lanka and the region.
The intention of the Colombo International Maritime Conference is to promote Sri Lanka and to make awareness of its great potential to the world. It is no doubt that this is the right path to enhance the maritime industry and in this endeavour I extend my fullest support and corporation and wish all the success for a fruitful outcome after CIMC 2016.
