Shipping industry, a major contributor to economy

By Mohammed Naalir

“You are entering a global industry. The interaction, integration and connectivity that lies within Sri Lanka will extend in terms of trade ties, political relationships and greater economic pursuits through this industry,” said former Foreign Minister Rohitha Bogollagama, at the certificate awarding ceremony of the Institute of Charted Ship Brokers.

He was speaking on 'Sri Lanka, the centre point in the pursuit for economic advancement'. He said that the shipping industry made a major contribution to the economy now that terrorism which stained the fabric of our society is no more. “That is our biggest strength”.

“We are opening new horizons of our country with peace and stability,” the former Foreign Minister said.

“Our industrial exports started with apparel. At one time it was the dominant contributor to our foreign exchange earnings and contributed to major share of our shipping industry,” he said.“There were 94,000 employees in the Katunayake Free Trade zone nearly 22 years ago when I was BOI Chairman.

Now it has declined to 35,000. This not due to lack of market resources but due to lack of people entering the field,” he said.