• Hidden gem of a logistics centre and a megapolis in the Indian Ocean
• A conference to understand South Asia’s logistics market beyond 2020
• Lonely Planet’s No. 1 destination for travel 2019
• CIMC Events 5th Major International Conference

Sri Lanka is known as a mega transshipment location in South Asia. In fact, it’s the fastest growing one among major ports of the world, with the rank of 11th best connected port in the world of shipping. Situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean, connecting multiple continents and reaching out to billions of people, many have not realised that the island nation sitting next to the major market of India is probably the best geographical position for logistics, distribution and storage of both bulk and containerised cargo.

The recently announced Colombo International Finance Centre (FC), formerly known as the Colombo Port City, will have legislation and tax laws separate from that of the rest of Sri Lanka, the Government revealed yesterday, as it ramped up efforts to attract investment and capitalise on its strategic location in the region.
By Madushka Balasuriya

Colombo International Maritime Conference Organising Committee Chairman Rohan Masakorala presenting a memento to Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe with Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake in the background  Pic by Kithsiri De Mel

The second Colombo International Maritime Conference was held on 22 September and inaugurated by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Over 400 participants, including 60 international speakers, attended the event – Pix by Kitsiri de Mel.

The Indian government is requesting Indian companies to invest in the Colombo Port, Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Y.K. Sinha told a maritime forum in Colombo yesterday.

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe addresses the Colombo International Maritime Conference. CASA Chairman Capt. Ajit Peiris, Finance Minister Ravi Karunanayake, Colombo Shippers Academy CEO Rohan Masakorala and Sri Lanka Shippers Council Chairman Sean Van Dort look on - Pic by Kaithsiri de Mel. See Pictorial on Page 18.
By Madushka Balasuriya

The Indian Government yesterday sought to reassure Sri Lanka that India’s burgeoning investment on developing its ports will pose no threat to the Port of Colombo, noting they have urged Indian companies to invest in the expansion of the Colombo Harbour.
By Madushka Balasuriya

The three-day Colombo International Maritime Conference – CIMC is now emerging as the biggest diversified maritime conference in South Asia. Given the country location and a reform and development agenda drawn by the Government of Sri Lanka to develop Colombo, Hambantota and Trincomalee to transform Sri Lanka from a transshipment port to a maritime nation is creating greater interest from many international investors.

The second Colombo International Maritime conference will commence on 22 September and will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Over 400 participants along with 60 international speakers will be in attendance.

The Colombo International Maritime Conference (CIMC) will open up a new chapter for the maritime industry of Sri Lanka to transit to a new area of focus in developing the maritime economy beyond container transshipment via port of Colombo.