The 10th anniversary of the Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference held last month saw posthumous recognition of several industry leaders as well as existing companies and individuals for their contribution to the maritime, shipping and logistics sector. Those who were posthumously recognised were the late Ravindra Galhena, Rohan Abeywickrema and Julian Bevis. Separately, former Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya, Hayleys Advantis Ltd., and senior journalist and Daily FT Editor Nisthar Cassim were recognised as well by the CIMC Sri Lanka founder Rohan Masakorala. Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof officiated at the presentation ceremony as well.

Late Ravindra Galhena, who was in the UK in 2014 working for the Informa Group (Containerisation International). He had the first conversation with Rohan Masakorala via Skype when Rohan sought assistance, and proposed a Colombo Conference for the World Maritime Day 2015. It was Ravi who proposed the name Colombo International Maritime Conference to sustain it. Later, he joined in organising the event until his departure.

Late Rohan Abeywickrema was a key maritime personality of Sri Lanka who helped CIMC to take the conference to the Government with the invitation to then speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya to be the patron of the event. Rohan wanted the conference to grow to promote Sri Lanka.

Late Julian Bevis, who was the regional head for Maersk and APMT, based in India was involved and supportive of the conference from the inception and wished well for Sri Lanka’s maritime industry. He did not miss a single event if he was around without official travel. He joined in the last event in November 2022 for one day and promised he would be in Colombo in two years. Unfortunately, he left us unexpectedly. His moral support as one of the leading shipping companies was part of the success of the event to continue not only in Sri Lanka but in India and Bangladesh.

Pix by Ruwan Walpola