Sri Lanka must grab opportunity for shipping industry to grow: Harsha

By Skandha Gunasekara

Addressing the outcry over the new regulations proposed in the Budget 2018 on the opening of the shipping industry to international players, Policy Planning and Economic Development Deputy Minister Dr. Harsha de Silva said that it was crucial to take such measures if the country wanted to become a shipping hub in the Indian Ocean.

Taking part in yesterday’s Committee Stage debate on the expenditure heads coming under the Minister of Ports and Shipping, the Deputy Minister said that Sri Lanka must be realistic in tackling this issue. 

“We have to connect Sri Lanka with the world and create competitiveness in the shipping industry. This does not mean the Government is going to neglect the local players in the industry as they are doing a good job and we have no intention of undermining their work,” Dr. de Silva said.

He said that Sri Lanka must utilise the economic growth in South Asia for her benefit and that this opportunity must be taken to do so.

“It is always said that we ‘missed the bus’ to become a regional player in the shipping industry but now we have a chance to get back in the game and develop our nation through the industry.”

The Minister said the Government hoped to create a regulatory body for the shipping industry as well as to introduce a competitive shipping tax. 

“Everything will be done in consultation with the all stakeholders including local agencies.”