Commencement of regional cruise liner operation under discussion

The SLPA Chairman paid a courtesy visit to the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, in the India House, Colombo 03. The SLPA Chairman said that the possibility should be discussed with Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Ports and Shipping, the SLPA and the Ministry of Tourism in order to make this proposed operation a success.

The High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka also proposed to commence a joint discussion with BIMSTEC countries (Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand Economic Cooperation) in this regard. Speaking at the meeting, High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay said that the development of bilateral trade between India and Sri Lanka would enhance socio-economic stability between the two friendly nations and India would always like to cordially work with Sri Lanka and the SLPA to improve the container and shipping connectivity. Expressing views SLPA Chairman said that considering the forecast growth of population, production and the order took increase of the Ultra Large Container Ships (ULCS) in the world, it is important for the Indian Government to take action as per Indian Prime Minister Sri Narendra Modi’s huge ‘Sagaramala’ Project parallel to Sri Lanka’s port development projects.

“We would then create a synergy between the countries to handle this huge container volume growth in the Indian Sub-Continent (ISC),” the Chairman said. Also present at the meeting was Indian High Commission Head of Economic and Commercial Wing Dr. Rakesh Panday.