New shipping and aviation body fulfils long-felt need
Charumini de Silva
A new corporate body, Shipping and Aviation Information and Research
(Pvt) Ltd., was set up to engage in marine and aviation services
research to provide the best shipping and aviation services for South
Asia, said Minister of Ports and Aviation and Irrigation and Water
Management, Chamal Rajapaksa at the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday.
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Minister of Ports and Aviation and Irrigation and Water
Management, Chamal Rajapaksa presents the letter of appointment
to Shipping and Aviation Information and Research (Pvt) Ltd.,
Director, Gamini Nelson. Ministry of Ports and Aviation,
Secretary, Ranjith de Silva and Shipping and Aviation
Information and Research (Pvt) Ltd., Chairman, Nihal Hewage look
on. Picture by Sumanachandra Ariyawansa |
He said Sri Lanka has to exploit the sea and the skies for economic
development. Shipping and Aviation Information and Research (Pvt) Ltd.,
was a long-felt need in the country and the organization to perform the
research in these fields.
Therefore, this event marks the beginning of the efforts made in
achieving the high standard in these services, which is essential for
the country's progress and its economic growth, he said.
People with capabilities and expertise in the shipping and aviation
fields could also share their ideas in the research and development that
will be undertaken in collaboration with Sri Lankan universities, he
said.
Minister of Ports Development and Justice, Dilan Perera said the
ministry would select youth from rural areas for training in shipping
and aviation technology and other professions in collaboration with the
Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship scheme.
He said this would help these youth to find lucrative employment
abroad where they will also learn the latest technology in these sectors
for their benefit as well as for our country.
It is necessary to learn and adopt the state-of-the-art technology
available in advanced countries and become competitive in the shipping
and aviation sectors.
"Research and development is important for the growth of these
sectors and the Government's program/building the Hambantota port and
Weeravila airport is progressing according to schedule", he said.
Ministry of Ports and Aviation, Secretary, Ranjith de Silva said that
it was essential to train school-leavers in skills, which are in demand
in the national and international job market. Since research and
statistics in the shipping and aviation sectors were not available so
far, this organization will fulfil that need.
Shipping and Aviation Information and Research (Pvt) Ltd., Chairman,
Nihal Hewage said a website containing the information and research
would be launched in the near future and the information will also be
published monthly and annually. |
