Archives

The Norwegian shipping fleet, the third largest in the world, will be recruiting more Sri Lankan seamen in the near future. Acting Prime Minister Jan Peterson assured the visiting Minister of Shipping and Ports Development Rauff Hakeem that the Norwegian Government would take steps initially to sign required bilateral agreements in this regard.

Minister Hakeem has had a lengthy discussion with Trade and Commerce Deputy Minister Oluf Ulseth about the steps needed to expedite the drafting of two agreements. He said that as the first step an agreement on mutual recognition of seamen training institutes were required, which will be followed by a tariff agreement on wages and employment conditions.

Director General of Norwegian Shipowners Association Marianee Lie said that the members of the Association were impressed by the training standards of seamen in Sri Lanka's maritime institutions. The Sri Lankan delegation made a presentation on training facilities after Hakeem, in his speech, explained the long standing shipping traditions in Sri Lanka and competency of Sri Lankan seafarers.

The Norwegian delegates said that they have already employed 18,970 Philippians and 4,250 Indians in their shipping fleet and there were enough vacancies to employ competent Sri Lankan sailors and officers. Minister Hakeem told the Acting Prime Minister Peterson that only 30 Sri Lankans are employed in Norwegian shipping fleet and the latter agreed the need to rectify this imbalance.

Peterson said that Norway would like to assist development activities in Sri Lanka and Hakeem emphasized that employment of seafarers would help the government endeavour to reduce the level of unemployment.

www.crescat.com

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2003 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager