Shipping, the oldest industry - Prof. G.L. Peiris

by Naalir Jamaldeen

Minister G.L. Peiris said that today Sri Lanka is earning a large volume of foreign exchange by building ships.

There is a huge demand for security provided by Sri Lanka on merchant ships.

He was Addressing the 48th Annual General Meeting and award presentation ceremony of Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) at Kingsbury Hotel.

He said Sri Lanka has a long history of shipping which began in Sri Lanka since ancient days. Sri Lanka built ships even during the kings rein.

Timber, coconut and oil exported from Sri Lanka.

It was important to say that today Sri Lanka is earning large volumes of foreign exchange by building ships. Colombo Dockyard today turning out vessels, it receive huge orders for building ships.

Indian Navy is placing orders for ships and vessels which are constructed by Sri Lankan companies, the Minister said.

He said that There is a huge demand for security provided by Sri Lanka on merchant ships.

Sea piracy has become serious problem today in some parts of the world, Somalia and some other parts of Eastern coast of Africa.

Even certain countries in the Middle East are wanting security for their vessels against piracy.

Sri Lankan experts are very good on this. It is also bringing foreign exchange.