“A greater synergy between India and Sri Lanka pivotal to handle future container volume growth in the Indian Sub-Continent”

Capt.Nihal Keppetipola

Chairman – SLPA

Capt. Nihal Keppetipola – Chairman of Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) paid a courtesy visit to the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka His Excellency Gopal Baglay on 09th July 2021. On the invitation of the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, the meeting took place in the India House, Colombo 03. Also present at the meeting was Indian High Commission Head of Economic and Commercial Wing Dr. Rakesh Panday.

Speaking at the meeting, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka His Excellency Gopal Baglay said that the development of bilateral trade between India and Sri Lanka would enhance socio-economic stability between the two friendly nations and India would always like to cordially work with Sri Lanka and the SLPA to improve the container and shipping connectivity.

Expressing views SLPA Chairman said that considering the forecast growth of population, production and the order took increase of the Ultra Large Container Ships (ULCS) in the world, it is important for the Indian Government to take action as per Indian Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi’s huge ‘Sagaramala’ Project parallel to Sri Lanka’s port development projects. “We would then create a synergy between the countries to handle this huge container volume growth in the Indian Sub-Continent (ISC),” the Chairman said.

Further discussions also took place at the meeting between the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka and SLPA Chairman on the importance of commencement of a regional cruise liner operation in the ISC region. The SLPA Chairman said that the possibility should be discussed with the Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Ports and Shipping, the SLPA and the Ministry of Tourism in order to make its operations a success. The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka also proposed to commence a joint discussion with BIMSTEC countries (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation) in this regard.