Admiral Colombage to deliver CILT P.B. Karandawala Memorial Lecture on 25 Jan.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Sri Lanka continues its series of industry-related lectures with the P.B. Karandawala Memorial Lecture, to be delivered by Admiral Dr. Jayanath Colombage, titled ‘The Impact of Blue Ocean Economy on Sri Lanka’s Logistics and Transport Industry’ to be held from 5.30 p.m. onwards on 25 January at The Victorian Hall of The Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo.  

Admiral Dr. Colombage is a former chief of the Sri Lanka navy who retired after active service of 37 years as a four-star admiral. He is an officer highly decorated for gallantry and distinguished service. He is a graduate of the Defence Services Staff College in India and Royal College of Defence Studies, UK. He holds a PhD from General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University. He also holds MSc. in defence and strategic studies from Madras University and an MA in International Studies from Kings College, London. He is a maritime security practitioner and specialist with wide experiences in countering maritime terrorism. He is a visiting lecturer at the University of Colombo, Defence Services Command and Staff College (Sri Lanka), Kotelawala Defence University, Bandaranaike Center for International Studies and Bandaranaike International Diplomatic Training Institute. He was the former Chairman of the Sri Lanka Shipping Corporation and an adviser to the President of Sri Lanka on maritime affairs. He is a Fellow of the Nautical Institute, London, the UK. 

Admiral Colombage is currently the Director of the Centre for Indo-Lanka Initiatives of the Pathfinder Foundation. He is also a member of the Advisory Council of the Institute of National Security Studies Sri Lanka. He is a Guest Professor at Sichuan University in China.

The ocean brings unknown wealth and potential. It is evident that 95 % of the underwater remains unexplored. The ocean is also the largest habitat for marine life with more than three billion people depending on it as a primary source of protein.

The ocean becomes the focus of attention in the field of development and sustainable development both nationally and internationally. 

The Indian Ocean, which has been nourished for thousands of years by many rivers and tributaries, contains large quantities of commercially exploitable hydrocarbons, gas and oil and seabed minerals in addition to a rich diversity of living resources such as fish and exotic marine life. 

In the current context, the Indian Ocean which surrounds us possesses both opportunities and threats. It is viewed by many as the most strategically vital ocean in the 21st Century. As India and China struggle to gain dominance, Sri Lanka can play a role to its benefit.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) is the leading international professional body for everyone who works within supply chain, logistics and transport. The institute holds unparalleled international recognition and works towards achieving its objective of promoting, encouraging and coordinating the study of the science and art of logistics and transport through its membership, events and educational qualifications. With a global membership of over 33,000, CILT is present in 34 countries across the globe. 

CILT provides a professional identity to those in the ever-expanding logistics and transport industry. It is a strong, active and a unified professional body that is able to speak with authority on strategic issues affecting businesses and people in the industry and supports their careers. Those who wish to attend the event can contact the CILT Secretariat on [email protected] or 77 757 9798.