Ms AEGIS Defence Services, Exclusive Analysis to make observations:

Move to de-list Sri Lanka from ‘Listed Areas’

Messrs AEGIS Defence Services Ltd., and Exclusive Analysis Ltd., have accepted an invitation to visit Sri Lanka from January - February 2010 make their own observations and risks assessment report, as the process needs to take place for Joint War Committee (JWC) consideration to have Sri Lanka de-listed from the ‘Listed Areas’ maintained by Lloyds of London JWC, in connection with hull war, strikes, terrorism and related perils.

Ships calling at the Colombo Port. Picture bySaliya Rupasinghe

The position maintained by the JWC and the Joint Cargo Committee (JCC) on Sri Lanka is that the overall risks level has come down and it is important that Sri Lanka, particularly, the Ministry of Ports and Aviation and Sri Lanka Ports Authority maintain a regular engagement with the Lloyds’ Market Association (LMA) and companies that report to JWC and JCC on hull and cargo insurance related risk to shipping.

While the JWC deals with hull insurance related risks, the JCC handles cargo insurance and more land based risk matters.

The Lloyds’ Market Association (LMA), London has appointed M/s AEGIS Defence Services Ltd, UK and Exclusive Analysis Ltd, UK to facilitate the functioning of the JWC and JCC. Security assessments provided by these two security consulting companies provide guidance on a regular basis, to the decision-making process of the JWC and JCC.

Ports and Aviation Minister, Chamal Rajapaksa appointed a committee in August this year, representing various shipping and marine related parties to prepare an action plan as to how Sri Lanka could be taken off the ‘Listed Areas’ maintained by JWC.

The delegation led by SLPA Chairman Dr. Priyath Wickrama has clarified the present National Security plan in place for the ports in Sri Lanka, and have extended an invitation to JWC and independent Intelligent Consultants to make their own risks assessments on Sri Lanka to establish Sri Lanka as a risk free country which will draw more foreign investors and boost the Government’s development programs in the North and the East.

SJ