Sri Lanka Ports, Trade & Logistics two day Conference and Exhibition, launched under the initiative of Hon.Minister of Transport – Kumara Welgama commenced on the 10th July 2012 in Colombo . The conference supported by Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), is another important annual fixture in the international maritime events diary.
Concentrating on the salient issues that will drive economic, investment and business activities in Sri Lanka, this timely conference and exhibition is also set to become a knowledge platform to propel Sri Lanka’s economy.
Speaking on the roles and responsibilities of the state, the private sector and lending agencies in the development of the regional maritime centre – a leading Sri Lanka state agency perspective, Dr.Willie Gamage – Chairman of the strategic Enterprise Management Agency said that it was important to appreciate the pivotal role played by state owned enterprises, not just in Sri Lanka, but in many economies around the world, while acting as a catalyst for generating export and import business for the shipping and ports sector. “It is therefore, a priority area for the state to keep investing in the ports sector, whilst at the same time, governments have also realized the importance inviting the private sector to participate to ensure efficiency of port operations,” he added.
At the keynote opening session Dr.Priyath B.Wickrama – Chairman of SLPA voiced the importance of an efficient, integrated communication system to convert Sri Lanka to a real maritime hub, stating that maritime activities in Sri Lanka, being an Island nation, play a vital role in her socio economic status. “Similar to many other maritime nations who develop their maritime activities to enhance their national economy, Sri Lanka has taken steps to harness the potential offered through it’s locational advantage to develop into a key maritime and logistics centre in the region. In the country’s economic performance , the service sector such as trade, financial services, telecommunications, road transport and the port services being the important contributors has been the dominant factor contributing a significant percentage to the GDP,” he further said.
Mr. Ranjith Silva- Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation, Mr.Anura Jayawickrama – Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Ports and Highways, Mr. Indike Karunajeewa – Vice Chairman of SLPA, Capt.Nihal Keppetipola – Managing Director of SLPA, Mr.Norman Weerarathne – Additional Managing Director of SLPA and a large number of domestic and foreign distinguished guests and participants were also present at the inauguration of the event.
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Source: Slpa, July 11, 2012