CILT to lead professionalism in industries

There is immense scope for the development of logistics and transport in the North and the East, said Chairman, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), Saliya Senanayake.

He said logistics play a vital role in reviving the economy of the regions. Professional logistics will help to enhance efficiency in industries.

The CILT offers professional qualifications through the University of Moratuwa, CINEC maritime campus and the Hill Street Academy and seeks to enhance professionalism in all industries.

CILT will launch the corporate membership program this year to increase membership and create awareness on the importance of the logistics and transport industry for the country.

Sri Lanka has around 550 CILT qualified professionals and the global membership is spread over 100 countries.

"Women representation in the logistics and transport industry in Sri Lanka is low compared to many countries and steps will be taken to increase this segment of the workforce," the Chairman said.

Women account for around 46 percent of the workforce in the UK of which 26 percent is represented in the logistics and transport sector.

"Plans are afoot to recruit young members to the CILT and create interest among youth to join the logistics and transport industry.

Logistics and transport encompasses all sectors and its unique contribution to developing infrastructure is recognised globally.

Stability in freight rates is essential to be competitive and enhance revenue in the shipping industry.

He said the ad hoc increase in freight rates is due to the absence of a conference system that stabilises pricing. The surge in freight charges has caused problems for shippers who have to pay exorbitantly for shipments.

"Shipping lines cannot increase freight rates to their whims if a conference system is implemented. Shipping lines have jacked up rates to recover the loss incurred during the global economic recession.

"The recession in the West is far from over and has a crippling impact on the shipping and ports sector", Senanayake said.

"Global trade volumes have not recovered completely from the economic setback and shipping lines are compensating losses by increasing freight rates", he said.

Sri Lanka's freight rates are low compared to India and the Far East region and the high rates are supplemented by transhipment cost.

Senanayake said he had been appointed to look into the logistics and transport sector in India. The logistics and transport sector in India has not developed due to the vastness of the country.

CILT has been a frontliner in driving growth in industries during its 25 year operations in the country. LF