Sri Lanka is to enhance its shipping connectivity with Bangladesh, a key strategic partner of the country in the South Asian region.
Sri Lankan delegation comprised of Dr. Priyath B. Wickrama, Chairman, Sri Lanka Ports Authority Anuradha Wijekoon, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Highways, Ports & Shipping, Vice Admiral Jayanath Colombage, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy & Chairman Ceylon Shipping Corporation Ltd & other officials visited Bangladesh recently to enhance shipping connectivity between Bangladesh & Sri Lanka.
The delegation met Shajahan Khan, MP, Minister of Shipping, People’s Republic of Bangladesh & had fruitful discussions with Syed Monjurul Islam, Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Chairman Chittagong Ports Authority, Chairman Mongla Ports Authority & other officials. Discussions were focused to increase connectivity between Bangladesh & Sri Lankan Ports, establishment of coastal shipping, explore investment opportunities & consultancy services in the port sector.
This is the first time a high powered Sri Lankan delegation visited to Bangladesh to promote shipping connectivity between the two countries & an agreement was signed. A presentation was made by Chairman, Sri Lanka Ports Authority – Dr.Priyath B.Wickrama during the seminar organized by the Shipping Ministry of Bangladesh with the participation of government, port, shipping line, feeder operators & representatives from all trade & shipping associations.
Bangladesh major exports are destined to USA, Canada, Europe, Australia and are currently moved by feeder vessles via transhipment hubs of Singapore, Colombo, Port Kelang & Tanjung Pelapas.
Colombo is ideally suited to route East coast of USA, Canada, Europe, Mediterranean, Gulf & East & West African destination containers. Dr. Wickrama emphasized the that Bangladesh exporters could save more than four days time with low freight rates by routing via Colombo for west bound destined cargo. With the new capacity created in the Colombo South Harbour to accommodate mega carriers major shipping lines are increasing Colombo cargo space and are introducing new services to Colombo.
Colombo International Container Terminal (CICT) is now fully operational with an add annual 2.4 million capacity & the East Container Terminal is under construction for Sri Lanka Ports Authority & will be operational by year end. Number of feeder calls between Bangladesh & Colombo has increased in the recent past and the volumes via Colombo are on the increasing trend. Dr. Wickrama also noted investment opportunities available in the ports of Hambantota & Trincomalee & consultancy services to Bangladesh ports. While assuring world class services, fast connectivity with concessions both Bangladesh & Sri Lanka will be benefitted.
