CINEC Maritime Campus, major contributor to national economy - Chamal Rajapaksa

The CINEC Maritime Campus has been in the forefront of Maritime education and training in this country. Established over 17 years ago, the campus has groomed many young men to become officers in the Merchant Navy.

Those working on foreign merchant ships earn and remit over US $ 80 million annually to the country.

The campus plays a major role in facilitating those seafarers to obtain quality education and training. As such this Campus is a major contributor to the national economy of this country, said Ports and Aviation Minister Chamal Rajapaksa who was the chief guest at the graduation ceremony of the CINEC Maritime Campus.

Manpower is the most valuable asset to a country. Without the skills and competencies of a country's people it is impossible for that country to grow economically. The main source of foreign earning to Sri Lanka comes from those who work overseas.

This income comes monthly from unskilled or the semi skilled workforce. An institution such as CINEC develops and promotes a workforce who are highly skilled and professional.

The Minister said that it is to the advantage of Sri Lanka that such a manpower force is developed at a greater pace so that the country could expect higher returns and investments from professionals rather than having to face, social and other adverse implications by promoting unskilled labour.

The government is committed to assist and promote institutions such as the CINEC Maritime Campus which acts in a responsible manner to see that those who are directed for foreign employment are professionals.

The Minister said that he was told that the Campus not only promotes training and employment of ships' officers and engineers but has also been engaged in commercial transport and shipping courses.

He was also happy that CINEC was conducting BSc degrees in International Transport and Logistics, Professional Diplomas in Shipping and other related programs which help enhance professional competence in the local shipping industry.