Lanka geared to handle global shipping industry

Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

Port development projects have the highest level of private public partnerships in developing resources at national level. The other sectors need to take a cue from the shipping industry in developing different sectors to contribute to the overall growth, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Chairman Dr. Anura Ekanayake said. He was speaking at a seminar on “Sri Lanka: Connecting to compete - Port of Colombo - What are the prospects/threats?” held yesterday in Colombo.

The private sector should match the facilities provided by the long-term infrastructure projects which benefit the public. These facilities could be made use to generate employment opportunities with the setting up of factories and workplaces to create economic activities, Ekanayake said.

In today’s knowledge economy information is the key. The most important aspect of information is it should be timely, accurate and reliable. These factors are necessary for the money making proposition, Dr. Ekanayake said.

Sri Lanka Port Authority Managing Director Capt. Nihal Keppetipola said there will be tremendous growth opportunity for the shipping industry due to port development projects.

The global shipping industry will progress providing growth opportunity for strategically located ports. In this context, Sri Lanka will be geared to handle high volumes in terms of containers and cargo with modern and well equipped ports. There is growth in this region, especially in India, Pakistan and the sub continent.

“We need to work together in collective effort to derive benefits of development. The regional shipping industry could dominate by entering into agreements. However, we need to change the mindset and attitude to focus on developing the country,” he said.