Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Monday, 24 February 2014 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Given Sri Lanka’s strategic geographical location amidst the world’s busy sea and trade lanes, Colombo has always been a preferred destination for the global maritime industry. Within South Asia Sri Lanka was the first to containerise its cargo in the late 1970s and developed the biggest, most modern and equipped port with the launch of the Jaye Container Terminals (JCT).
Over the years successive governments have invested in enhancing the Colombo Port’s capacities as well as opening up the terminal business to private-public partnerships. This saw the entry of South Asia Gateway Terminal (SAGT).
Colombo Port last year handled over four million TEUs whilst capacity was further enhanced with the commissioning of the mega Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT). Further capacity and efficiency enhancements are on-going with the goal of handling 12 million TEUs in the next few years.
Another key development was the opening of the Magampura Port in Hambantota with focus on tapping car carriers, bulk and service cargo business along with bunkering and other industrial activities.
Trincomalee, Galle, Oluvil and Kankesanthurai are among other ports which are getting renewed attention for improvements.
Recently the Government also introduced the freeport policy giving a boost for cargo consolidation, logistics and entrepot trade.
With three fully fledged terminals – JCT, SAGT and CICT in Colombo and Magampura Port in Hambantota Sri Lanka has all what it takes now to be a true hub. However there are a few outstanding issues resolution of which will empower the maritime sector to unleash its true potential.
This will be the focus of the important maritime hub session tomorrow at the full day forum.
Following the ceremonial opening by Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa at 8:30 a.m., and keynote by Central Bank Governor Nivard Cabraal and Special Guest P. Tewari Head, Competitive Industries Global Practice, The World Bank Group, Singapore, the Maritime Hub Session will start at 10:30 a.m.
Sri Lanka Ports Authority Chairman Dr. Priyath Bandu Wickrama who has been an integral part of the new developments in ports will be the main presenter of the maritime hub. He will outline the success/progress so far of the maritime hub strategy, on-going measures and the medium and long plans for the future.
Thereafter Dr. Wickrama will join a public-private sector panel of experts including Navy Commander Admiral Jayanath Colombage, Expolanka Holdings Plc Group Managing Director Hanif Yusuf, Ceyline Group Managing Director/CINEC Maritime Campus President Capt. Ajith Peiris, Shippers’ Academy Colombo CEO Rohan Masakorala and Ceylon Ships’ Agents Association Chairman Ralph Anandappa.
The expert panel will share their own perspectives on the opportunities and challenges for the benefit of participants who can also be engaged in a Q&A session.
For registration/tickets for the maritime hub session or full day forum which also focuses on other hubs – aviation, commercial + tourism, knowledge and energy, please contact Shanthini on 0766869269. Tickets available at No. 26B, Retreat Road (adjoining Holy Family Convent), Bambalapitiya from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Email: [email protected].
