COLOMBO :The Sri Lanka Association of NVOCC Agents (SLANA) formed by licensed shipping agents representing Non-Vessel Operating Container Carriers who operate fleets of marine containers held their 4th AGM recently and Swabha Wickramasinghe, from Worldlink Shipping Colombo (Pvt) Ltd was elected Chairperson.
The Chairperson said that the potential in the shipping industry for Sri Lanka is enormous.
“As regional carriers, we are well-positioned with services connecting to India, China, the Middle East, the Far East, and Russia—among the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies. The momentum is with us, and it is up to us to seize this opportunity.”
She said that as regional operators, we must remain vigilant and responsive to changes both locally and globally. Today’s economic and geopolitical shifts may close some doors—but they also open new ones.
However, we cannot ignore the challenges and one major concern for our members is the inability to collect Terminal Handling Charges (THC).
“A globally accepted practice that was previously implemented in Sri Lanka but has since been removed. This inconsistency places our industry at a disadvantage. It’s essential that we come together as a unified voice to strongly advocate for the reinstatement of THC collections.”
Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku who was the Chief Guest said that they aim to match the 33 million TUS of Singapore port by 2035.
The Deputy Minister opined this at the Sri Lanka Association of NVOCC Agents (SLANA), 8th Annual General Meeting held at the Amari Hotel on Friday, 27).
The government will develop the port sector and have more facilities to meet future demands. “We also plan to release some Port Authority-owned lands in Colombo and Trincomalee for the private sector to be used for port-related development.
He also disclosed that the government will invest around Rs. 500 million to conduct a feasibility study and build warehouses on Bloemendhal Road, as well as a container yard in Pepliyadoda. “For this, maritime industry experts’ views and advice will be sought by the government.”
Currently SLANA membership count stands at 50 of the leading NVOCC’s in the country.
SLANA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR 2025/26
Chairperson: Swabha Wickramasinghe, Worldlink Shipping Colombo
Vice Chairman: Ananda Senanayake, Lanka Shipping & Logistics
Secretary: Surangi Gunasekera, Prudential Shipping Lines
Treasurer: Gisantha De Silva, Interocean Containers
Members:
Raj Rasiah, Smart Marine Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Gihan Dias, Setmil United Cargo (Pvt) Ltd, Chaminda Baddegama, Goodrich Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Hirantha Perera, Cordelia Container Line Lanka (Pvt) Ltd, Anusha Guneratne, Sea Trade Agencies (Pvt) Ltd, Eardley Noel, Pan Oceanic International (Pvt) Ltd and Nilu Wickremasinghe, Sil Line (Pvt) Ltd
Caption
The new office bearers with Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku
