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Wednesday, 5 November 2014 00:01 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
CILT is a uniquely established global professional body. With over 33,000 members in over 30 countries worldwide, CILT holds unparalleled professional international recognition. CILT in Sri Lanka was established in 1985 and incorporated in 2000 by an Act of Parliament. Presently, it has over 1,000 members who are highly qualified in the transport and logistics fields.
All-important aspect
The Chief Guest was Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
Delivering the keynote address, Rajapaksa said: “In every field and most areas of military work, logistics and transport plays a significant role. Quite often the success or the failure of the project work depends on the successes or failures of the logistics of the projects. This is particularly true in the military. Take for example the humanitarian operation that freed Sri Lanka from three decades of terrorism. The transport and logistics operations during this campaign greatly aided its success.”
“During the 30 years of war, the LTTE had grown from a small terrorist group to a vast, sophisticated military organisation with the capability to seriously challenge the Sri Lankan military. The LTTE developed this capability by bringing sophisticated weapons and equipment to Sri Lanka through an expensive transport and logistics network. Items procured abroad were shipped to Sri Lankan waters in vessels operated by the LTTE. These vessels were deployed to smuggle weapons, equipment and ammunition from these floating warehouses to the coast. This logistics arrangement existed for several years until early on the humanitarian operation where the Government forcefully went and destroyed these ships. This was a blow to the LTTE which was unable to replace the ship stocks of weaponry. Destroying the logistics and transport system it had for over 25 years was one of the major factors of defeating LTTE terrorism,” he added.
Logistics-based challenges
Rajapaksa further explained how logistics-based challenges were overcome in this operation. He specifically focused on transporting the troops in and out of their areas of duty, keeping them supplied with rations, arms, ammunition and other equipment and transporting other essentials to them which had been a very serious challenge. Particularly because of the constant threats received from the LTTE, it had been essential to make sure these challenges were successfully met and the troops would maintain their moral and keep their confidence constantly high.
By giving examples from various angles ranging from transportation, logistics, maintaining troops to medical and even the event of a loss of life; Rajapaksa wanted to show that in any operation, no area should be left unattended no matter how big or small because it could have an impact on the intensity of the operation.
CILT Chairman Niral Kadawatharatchie said that Sri Lanka is one the most active countries in the international charter of this institute. He also mentioned that Saliya Senanayake, a Senior Fellow Member of CILT from Sri Lanka, was awarded the Pegasus Medal to acknowledge his commitment during his tenure of four years as the International Vice President (IVP) for the region at this year’s convention held in Melaka, Malaysia.
The CILT Chief said the large audience of professionals reflected the interest and enthusiasm in this industry. “It also gives a special message to our chief guest that we need his attention and engagement in this industry in order to take it forward faster,” Kadawatharatchie added.
Five-hub strategy
Referring to the five-hub strategy of the Sri Lankan Government, he commented that it seems like the logistics hub is moving slowly compared to the others.
“We have two competitors, on one side Singapore and Dubai on the other. These two are speedily moving forward. Sri Lanka being right in the middle, having the advantage of the geographical location and facilities, yet lacks a little bit of the punch to move forward in this industry. For that we need the attention of Defence and Urban Ministry Secretary, because only a project champion like you can do this,” CILT Chief said.
He also mentioned that commercial logistics has given rise to an enterprising profession, the industry is comparatively new but is spreading globally at a terrific speed and that technology plays a big role in managing supply chain and is a requirement for global commerce. Moreover, he claimed that skilled and knowledgeable human resources are equally important and this is where CILT’s contribution in framing education in logistics comes in handy.
“I feel confident that leadership of Secretary Rajapaksa in various Government projects will achieve Sri Lanka’s dream of making Colombo the regional hub of South Asia,” Kadawatharatchie added.
Pix by Lasantha Kumara
