Lankan delegation attends CILT International Convention in Montreal

Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) held their international convention in Montreal from 8 to 11 May in Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal Canada in the presence of over 250 foreign delegates from 24 of its member countries. This year’s theme of the convention was ‘Linking North America to the world’. 

CILT conducts its annual convention in a member country in rotation every year. Sri Lanka hosted the convention in June 2013 after it became a territory. CILT Chairman Capt. Lasitha Cumarathunga and Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT) Chairperson Gayani de Alwis represented Sri Lanka at this year’s convention in Montreal.

The international convention commenced on 8 May with WiLAT forum in parallel with Young Professionals Forum (YPF) in session. Global Convenor Aisha Ali Ibrahim welcomed the country delegates from Hong Kong, Nigeria, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Ghana, North America and invitees and guest speakers for the convention. CN Vice President Industrial Products Fiona Murray and Rail Caucus Chairperson Sherry Romanado were the guest speakers. An update and way forward on the four global strategic thrusts were presented by the respective coordinator.

CILT SL Chairman Capt. Lasitha Cumaratunga and WiLAT SL Chairperson Gayani de Alwis with CILT International President Paul Brooks at the global convention

Mentorship update and way forward was presented by WiLAT Chairperson Sri Lanka who is driving this initiative globally in addition to Sri Lanka country report. Global advisor Dr. Dorothy Chan commended the WiLATs on their commitment and the progress made thus far and invited all participants to the next international convention which will be held in Macau in May 2017. 

Main CILT convention commenced on the 9th with Honorary President of the convention and President of Port of Montreal Sylvia Vachom and CILT International President Paul Brooks welcoming the gathering to North America. This conference is held in North America after a lapse of 13 years. North America outlook conference was held on the last day with speakers from across the globe addressing topics such as technology and innovation trends, impacts of NAFTA and TPP trade agreements for air, sea and land transportation, Belt and Road initiative of China, transport planning and training. 

The delegates also had the chance to take part in an interactive session on the institute’s future strategy led by International President Paul Brooks and Secretary General Keith Newton. The convention in Montreal was a success with global training directory and member directory being launched for global roll out.

The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) is a leading global professional body associated with the logistics and transport industry.  Established in UK in 1919 and having received the Royal Charter in 1926, the Institute has an exciting history but is always adapting to stay consistent with current logistics and transport issues. The institute’s patron is Princess Royal. The institute holds unparalleled international recognition and works towards achieving its objectives of promoting and encouraging the art and science of logistics and transport through its membership and its educational qualifications. 

With a global membership of over 33,000 from 32 countries across the Globe, CILT provides a professional identity to those in the ever expanding logistics and transport sector. It is a strong, active and a unified professional association that is able to speak with authority on strategic issues affecting businesses and people in the industry and support their careers. CILT Sri Lanka was established in 1984 and incorporated by the parliamentary act no. 08 of 2000.

In 2012 The Council of Trustees of the CILT upgraded the status of CILT Sri Lanka from a Branch to a Territory. In doing so the Council of Trustees recognised the high standards of performance, governance and membership development evidenced in CILT Sri Lanka over the past several years. Presently CILT SL has over 1,000 members who are highly qualified in the Transport and Logistics fields. 

CILT Sri Lanka is governed by a Council consisting of professionals representing all segments of the Transport and Logistics industry and also consists of two fora namely Women in Logistics and Transport (WiLAT) and Young Professionals’ Forum (YPF) dedicated to promote women and young professionals in the Logistics and Transport industry respectively. For more details on CILT, visit their web page – http://www.ciltsl.com.