Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents holds 59th AGM

Chairman Shano Sabar

Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Bimal Rathnayake 

• Champions maritime advocacy and digital transformation
• Hayleys Advantis’ Shano Sabar re-elected Chairman
• CASA reiterates call for a Unified Maritime Authority
• Advocates overcoming challenges through collaboration

The Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA), Sri Lanka’s apex body for shipping agents, recently held its 59th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 25 July at the Grand Marquee, Taj Samudra, marking a year of strategic advocacy, industry collaboration, and technology-driven initiatives amidst global challenges.

The event was graced by Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Bimal Ratnayake; Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku; Secretary to the Ministry Prof. Kapila Perera; Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) Chairman Admiral Sirimevan Ranasinghe; Customs Director General P. B. Nonis, along with distinguished invitees, past chairmen, and CASA members.

Hayleys Advantis Ltd. Deputy Managing Director Shano Sabar was re-elected as Chairman of CASA for 2025/2026.

Asha Shipping Ltd. Executive Vice President Janesh Ratnadasa and Hemas Maritime Ltd. Director Mushin Kitchilan were re-elected as Vice Chairman and Treasurer respectively.

The Executive Committee for 2025/2026.comprises:

Aitken Spence Shipping Ltd., Ceyline Agencies Ltd., Lanka Shipping and Logistics Ltd., Malship (Ceylon) Ltd., McLarens Shipping Ltd., Marine International Agencies Ltd., Meridian martime Services., Prudential Shipping Lines Ltd., and Setmil United Cargo Ltd.

Addressing the gathering, Chairman Shano Sabar highlighted the unprecedented challenges faced by the shipping industry over the past year.

“Geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea and Middle East have disrupted global supply chains, while climate change continues to reshape maritime operations. These realities compel us to adopt green technologies, cleaner fuels, and advanced automation to remain competitive,” Sabar stated.

Despite these headwinds, CASA continued its role as the unified voice of the shipping industry, engaging stakeholders and government bodies to drive reforms.

Key advocacy highlights included:

• Early commissioning of the East Container Terminal (ECT) to strengthen Colombo Port capacity.
• Accelerating Port Community System (PCS) and Maritime Single Window (MSW) for digitalisation and transparency.
• Collaborating with Sri Lanka Customs on the ASYHub rollout, fair penalty structures, and congestion reduction at port yards.
• Partnering with SLPA for improved berth productivity, cruise handling, and zero-tolerance policies.
• Engaging with SLTDA to revive cruise tourism and simplify passenger clearance.
• Discussions with the World Bank and Merchant Shipping Secretariat on policy reform, human resource development, and maritime education.
• Advocating amendments to the Marine Environment Protection Act to remove agent liability in pollution cases.

“The fragmented governance structure is one of our biggest obstacles,” Sabar added. “It’s time for Sri Lanka to establish a Unified Maritime Authority, similar to global maritime hubs, to enable holistic and timely decision-making.”

Youth engagement and sustainability at the forefront

CASA reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing future maritime leaders through its support for YoungShip Sri Lanka.

Highlights included:

• Coral Restoration Project in Seenigama to combat climate change.
• Hosting the YoungShip Global Leadership Summit 2024 in Colombo, which attracted 300 delegates from over 25 countries and celebrated 20 years of YoungShip International.

Strengthening member engagement

The association successfully organised CASA Cricket, Futsal, and Bowling tournaments, reinforcing camaraderie and networking among members.

Farewell and new beginnings

The AGM also marked the retirement of Secretary General Ralph Anandappa, who was honoured for his outstanding service. He will be succeeded by Capt. Ravi Jayawickrema, a veteran maritime professional expected to inject fresh strategic insight.

Acknowledging sponsors

We would also like to thank our sponsors of the evening, Hayleys Advantis Ltd. and GAC Marine – the Platinum sponsors; Ceyline Group – the Gold sponsor; Colombo West International Terminals Ltd ., Colombo Logistics Ltd. and Evergreen Maritime, Lanka Shipping and Logistics and Mendis One – our Silver sponsors, along with other sponsors: Aitken Spence Maritime, Colombo International Container terminal, CWT Globelink, Hamka Shipping, Meridian Maritime Service, MSC Lanka Ltd., South Asia Gateway Terminals, Sea Trade agencies Ltd. and Spedicon Logistics Ltd. along with all the E banner Sponsors.”

Looking ahead

The Chairman extended his gratitude to the Ministries of Transport, Finance, Defence, and Health, along with SLPA, Customs, Navy, Immigration, MEPA, and industry partners for their support.

“CASA’s mission remains clear — to strengthen Sri Lanka’s position as a competitive maritime hub in South Asia through innovation, collaboration, and policy reform,” Sabar concluded.