Shippers Council holds 55th AGM

From left: Second Vice Chairman Nalaka Ratnayake, Chairman Trisherman Frink and First Vice Chairman Tyronne Weckasinghe at the 55th AGM

• Outgoing Chairman Sean Van Dort highlights deep concern over entrenched corruption within Sri Lanka’s import-export sector
• Advocates for full digitalisation of trade processes as the most effective way to eliminate face-to-face interactions and curb bribery
• With growing support from industry associations calls for implementation of a new legal framework
• New Chairman Trisherman Frink proposes to focus on several key priorities in the year as global and regional shipping environment undergoes rapid transformation

The 55th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council took place at the Hilton Colombo, on 18 July with Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof as the Chief Guest.

The apex body representing shippers, the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council was established in March 1966 to promote and protect the interests of shippers. It was the first National Shippers’ Council to be set up in Asia and was formed on a request made in 1965 by the local committee of the Ceylon Continental Conference, and a subsequent request made by the Director of Commerce in January 1966, to The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. 

Membership of the Council consists of Chambers of Commerce, Trade Associations, and individual corporate members. 17 trade associations and over 50 individual members are currently members of the Council.

The Annual General Meeting commenced with tributes to two distinguished Past Chairmen of the Sri Lanka Shippers Council, the late W.T. Ellawala, who was Chairman from 1974 to 1977 and from 1989 to 1992 and the Late Gordon De Silva, who was Chairman from 1994 to 1998, in recognition of their exceptional leadership, guidance, commitment and contribution in promoting the ideals, standards and principles of the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council. 

Sean Van Dort, relinquished his position as the Chairman, having completed a distinguished second term from 2023 to 2025. His first term as Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council Chairman was from 2014 to 2017. 

Lalan Rubbers Ltd., General Manager – Shipping and Logistics Trisherman Frink, the First Vice-Chairman, who represents the Colombo Rubber Traders’ Association, was unanimously elected Chairman of the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council. 

Flintec Transducers Ltd.  Managing Director Tyronne Weckasinghe who represents the Free Trade Zone Manufacturers’ Association, was unanimously elected First Vice-Chairman and Nalaka Ratnayake, who represents the Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka, (Hayleys PLC Deputy General Manager – Group Freight Management,) was unanimously elected the Second Vice-Chairman.

Outgoing Chairman Sean Van Dort’s speech highlights deep concern over the entrenched corruption within Sri Lanka’s import-export sector. He asserted that the trading community itself — comprising both importers and exporters — has been a key contributor to this issue, with unethical practices spanning from senior management to operational staff. Emphasising the need for internal reform, he stressed that meaningful change must originate within the private sector, rather than relying solely on government action. Van Dort strongly advocated for full digitalisation of trade processes as the most effective way to eliminate face-to-face interactions and curb bribery. With growing support from industry associations and the implementation of a new legal framework, he urged stakeholders to take responsibility, adopt digital systems, and work collectively to secure a better future. 

New Chairman Trisherman Frink in his speech said: “As we mark over six decades of advocacy and service, we are reminded that the role of the Shippers’ Council is not static — it must evolve with the times. The global and regional shipping environment is undergoing rapid transformation with rising freight costs, geopolitical tensions affecting trade lanes, increasing digitalisation in supply chain management, and the ever-present call for more sustainable and environmentally conscious logistics practices. For Sri Lankan exporters and importers, these changes present both challenges and opportunities. 

In his speech, new Chairman also said the following:

“Our role — now more than ever — is to ensure that the voice of the shipper remains strong, credible, and solution-oriented at every forum where decisions are made. As I step into this role, I am deeply aware of the need for action, not just reflection. Together with the Executive Committee, I propose to focus on several key priorities in the year ahead:

1.Advocacy for equitable policy:

We will continue to engage constructively with regulators, policymakers, and port authorities to ensure transparency in freight, eliminate inefficiencies, and advocate for shipper-friendly policies that enable trade competitiveness.

2.Digital transformation:

The world is moving rapidly toward paperless trade and data-driven logistics. 

We will work toward helping our members to embrace these shifts, while lobbying for digital infrastructure development within the Sri Lankan trade ecosystem and we request authorities to implement the single window concept as a priority to ensure ease of doing business and attracting foreign direct investments into the country.

3.Capacity building and knowledge sharing:

Through workshops, knowledge forums, and closer collaboration with academic institutions and trade bodies, we will focus on building expertise across our community — especially among our youth and next-generation shippers which we have been already practicing by offering scholarships to our membership. 

4.Sustainability and resilience:

We must now think beyond efficiency and cost. Our sector needs to align with global ESG goals and enhance supply chain resilience. The Council will advocate for smarter, greener practices in shipping and logistics.

5.Regional collaboration:

We will actively strengthen regional cooperation, ensuring that Sri Lanka remains an integral voice in global shipping dialogues.

None of these goals can be achieved in isolation. 

As always, the strength of the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council lies not in the voice of one, but in the unity of many. 

I therefore call upon all 17 product associates and other stakeholders attached to SLSC  — government institutions, private sector organisations, service providers, and most importantly, our members — to engage with us proactively, challenge us thoughtfully, and collaborate with us closely.

The seas ahead may not always be smooth. But with clear vision, purposeful dialogue, and steadfast commitment, I believe we can navigate the challenges — and seize the opportunities — that lie ahead.

Let us rise to the occasion with the same resolve and resilience that has carried this Council through 60 remarkable years.”

A special feature of the evening was the recognition and presentations made to the distinguished Past Chairmen of the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council, Royle Jansz (1992 to 1994), Rohan De S. Wijeyeratne (1998-1999), Rohan Masakorala (1999-2002), Ravi Ratnapala (2002-2004), Noel Priyatilleke (2004-2005), Jayanath Perera (2005-2007), Ananda Wijesuriya (2007-2008), Randolph Perera (2008-2010), Gihan Kuruppu (2010-2012) Dinesh De Silva (2012-2014) Sean Van Dort (2014-2017 and 2023 to 2025), Chrisso de Mel (2017-2019), Suren Abeysekera (2019-2021), and Russell Juriansz (2021-2023) and the Past Secretary-General of the Sri Lanka Shippers Council and The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Chullantè’ Jayasuriya (1992 to 2002), to appreciate and acknowledge their exceptional leadership, guidance, commitment, and contribution in promoting the ideals, standards, and principles of the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council.