Lanka, fast becoming a maritime hub - Navy Commander

Ishara Mudugamuwa

Sri Lanka is making great strides in becoming a maritime hub in Asia taking advantage of its geographical location. "We are experiencing the best time in our country's history, under the dynamic leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa," said Nautical Institute Sri Lanka Branch Chairman and Navy Commander Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage.

He was participating in the inauguration of the International Annual General Meeting and the Conference of the Nautical Institute at the BMICH,Colombo yesterday.

"We really have to play our role as maritime professionals to realize the dream of the President.

The Nautical Institute Sri Lanka Branch is committed to extending its support to making this dream come true," Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage said.

The conference on the theme "Maritime Administration Where at, Where to, The needs for and Of the future generation of administrators" was also held as a part of its AGM.

The Nautical Institute is an international representative body for maritime professionals involved in the control of sea-going ships. It provides a wide range of services to enhance the professional standing and knowledge of members drawn from all sectors of the maritime world.

The Nautical Institute Sri Lanka branch was founded in 1991 with the attendant support of the future president of The Nautical Institute, Captain Martin Scott, and Julian Parker as secretary. W.W.E. Clancy Fernando was the first chairman of the Nautical Institute Sri Lanka Branch.

The Keynote Address of the conference was delivered by IMO Assistant Secretary General Captain Andrew Winbow.