Logistics Conference to set Lanka on right track
Sri Lanka is hoping its logistics industry could be doubled capturing a significant space through the expansion of the ports and this is the main aim of holding the two-day Colombo International Logistics Conference scheduled on August 1.
Participants to the conference have opted out but the organisers are persistent that they should not lose this opportunity to go ahead with plans to conduct the event that would eventually create a space for a logistics hub in the country.
However, with most travel advisories from the respective countries softening the stance is likely to change with more bookings hopeful closer to the date of the conference, organiser CIMC Event Chairman and founder Rohan Masakorala said at a media briefing held at the Galadari Hotel in Colombo on Tuesday. With an initial expectation of 250, organisers are hopeful for at least 100 participants at the conference. All speakers however, have agreed to arrive in the country.
This is beyond transshipment, Mr. Masakorala said adding that a lot of international investors don’t know this aspect of Sri Lanka.
“We are promoting warehousing and distribution hub” for Sri Lanka through this conference, he explained.
Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman Kavan Ratnayaka said that logistics is a key part of the master plan for the Colombo Port. In fact he noted that Sri Lanka’s Colombo port was the 22nd in global rankings as a transshipment port and the 11th best in terms of connectivity.
At the same meeting, Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) Chairman Kishu Gomes said that Sri Lanka saw a 70 per cent drop in arrivals in May compared to the same month last year.
Cabinet approval was obtained, he said for a Rs.420 million campaign for PR and advertising to uplift the industry from its present crisis.
He also believed this conference would be an ideal opportunity to welcome more travellers to the country.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Saroja Sirisena said that currently all missions overseas were trying to ensure the travel advisories issued against travel to Sri Lanka were lifted or softened.
Sri Lanka Logistics and Freight Forwarders Association (SLLFFA) Jagath Pathirana said that they ensured the supply chain continued to function even with air freight as there was a good infrastructure and workforce in place.
Events of this nature would bring Sri Lanka to the fore, he noted.
SAGT spokesman said that they were able to keep things together with no drop in volumes even in May.
“We work keeping our promise to customers and even shipping lines say they will continue to serve Colombo,” he noted.
As the first ever conference of its kind there are 20 international speakers expected to participate to discuss the modern logistics trends, South Asia’s logistics market and the emerging role of Sri Lanka as a global logistics centre.
The event will also mark the 40th anniversary of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority who will join as a business partner along with its terminal operators and the SLLFFA will join as strategic partner with the organisers, CIMC Events.