Absence of national policies, an obstacle to growth - Aviation Minister

Sri Lanka hasn’t a national policy for any sector which is a hindrance to consistency and growth of sectors, Ports and Aviation Minister Arjuna Ranatunga told the media at the inauguration of the first Colombo International Maritime Conference (CIMA) 2015 from September 24-26.

Ranatunga said that Sri Lanka should learn from India which has a policy for all sectors which continues even though governments change.

A national policy for each sector is vital to achieve economic growth. In the past those who were not in the industry tried to formulate policies for various sectors.

Stakeholders of every industry should pool their strengths and formulate a national policy to develop relevant sectors.“Without a national policy there is no direction and the task to achieve the objectives becomes difficult.

The present Government is facing an issue with regard to the development of the Hambantoata port. We need to pump money into it,” he said.

“Many foreign businessmen are keen to invest in the Colombo and Hambantota ports. The CIMA is a good platform to attract foreign investors,” the Minister said.

He said there is no point in crying over spit milk referring to the Hambantota port.

We need to learn from the past than simply criticising it. The Government will develop the port and make the best use of it.The Ministry of Ports decided to support the CIMA and hold a Maritime Week as it will help generate interest among youth in the village. We need to take the maritime industry to the next level by enlightening youth about the potential of the industry and attracting them to it, Ranatunga said.

CEO, Shippers’ Academy Colombo, Rohan Masakorala said that CIMA 2015 will feature globally renowned speakers in the shipping and maritime sector who will share their expertise in taking the industry to the next level.

Ports, terminals, sectorial businesses of cargo such as container, Ro/Ro, bulk, LNG developments, global freight market, cruise shipping, regulatory developments, hub strategies, bunkering and green shipping will be some of the topics that will be discussed with a focus on the Indian subcontinent and global shipping industry.

The conference will comprise a session on cruise tourism and will showcase Sri Lanka’s maritime infrastructure and potential in the region.Chairman, Sri Lanka Tourism, Rohantha Athukorala said a session on cruise tourism will help boost the image of the country in the global tourism map and promote a new segment.“The CIMA will help boost Sri Lanka’s image and position the country as a destination for ports and tourism. It will also support the move to increase the frequency of shipping,” Masakorala said.

Speakers at the launch stressed the importance of achieving sustainable development.

“Singapore, a port city that has made vast progress in maritime activities is an eye-opener for Sri Lanka to make good use of the ports and its geographic location. Sri Lanka has immense potential to gain an edge over other regional ports and enhance its share in global trade,” Masakorala said.Sri Lanka has an advantage in maritime development as it is along the busy East-West shipping route.

A historical maritime nation for thousands of years, the country is identified as a re-emerging maritime and a logistics hub in Asia and a main gateway to India, the fastest growing economy in the world and the subcontinent.Around 90 percent of the world’s trade is moved through shipping lines and it is considered the wheel of global trade.

It propels the global economy and develop new markets to create wealth among countries.However, according to industry experts the country has been backward in marketing and promotion to showcase its advantages to the world.The theme was adopted to focus on the wider spectrum of maritime education and training, in particular its adequacy and quality, as the bedrock of a safe and secure shipping industry, which needs to preserve the quality, practical skills and competence of qualified human resources to ensure its sustainability.

-LF