Sri Lanka Association of NVOCC Agents holds 8th AGM

SLANA Chairperson Swabha Wickramasinghe

Chief Guest Ports and Civil Aviation Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku - Pix by Ruwan Walpola

• Chairperson Swabha Wickramasinghe highlights SLANA members collectively contribute 15% to 20% of Sri Lanka’s import and export volumes
• Lists inability to collect Terminal Handling Charges as a longstanding challenge, placing members at a disadvantage
• Urges Colombo must remain competitive
• Welcomes collaborations with India and the Gulf region, ongoing port modernisation 
• Ports and Civil Aviation Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku reveals Govt. aims to reach 33 million TEUs of container handling at Colombo Port by 2035

The Sri Lanka Association of NVOCC Agents (SLANA) recently held its eighth Annual General Meeting with Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku as the Chief Guest and Worldlink Shipping Colombo Ltd., Director Marketing Swabha Wickramasinghe as the Chairperson for the second term.

In her speech, Wickramasinghe recounted the remarkable strength and unity of SLANA members. 

“We have travelled a significant journey together, and it’s our shared commitment and vision that keeps propelling us forward,” said the Chairperson of SLANA established in 2016 by licenced shipping agents in Sri Lanka representing Non-Vessel Operating Container Carriers who operate fleets of marine containers. 

The NVOCC Principals represented by SLANA membership are mostly regional carriers, who operate shipping services within the Indian sub-continent (including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives), Middle East Gulf Ports (including, Dubai, Sohar, Shuwaikh, Doha, Bandar Abbas, Umm Qasr), Far East Ports (including Singapore, Port Klang, Busan, Hai Phong, Taiwan, and Base Ports in China) and, more recently, expanded operations to include Russian Ports as well.

Wickramasinghe said looking back at early days, one of the most pressing challenges members faced was when feeder operators announced that NVOCCs could no longer use their port codes. At the time, this posed a major disruption to our operations. However, what seemed disastrous became a turning point. “It led to more streamlined collaboration between NVOCC operators and feeder operators, the introduction of a separate licensing category for NVOCCs, and direct access to port terminals for negotiating direct billing facility. I am proud to say that SLANA played a pivotal role in making these changes. It also brought our NVOCC community together, setting the tone for future cooperation and unity,” the Chairperson said. 

She said that over the past year, SLANA has seen remarkable progress and a stronger sense of community. From insightful knowledge-sharing seminars and valuable networking events to inaugural SLANA Cricket Tournament, which was a tremendous success — each initiative has strengthened bonds. 

She encouraged all the members to actively participate in prestigious industry events such as ICS/SLANA Customer Service Awards and National Logistics Awards by SLFFA. “These platforms not only recognise excellence in service but also provide you valuable opportunities to showcase your standards and raise awareness of your capabilities in the wider market. Participation in such events enhances your market visibility and adds real value to your business,” she told the AGM.

“Our success is tied to a much larger ecosystem, an entire supply chain, and a broader community that relies on its sustainability. While most of our members fall under the SME category, we collectively contribute 15% to 20% of the country’s import and export volumes, along with a modest but impactful share of transhipment cargo. We believe these contributions play a meaningful role in supporting the national economy,” Wickramasinghe emphasised. 

As regional operators, she said SLANA must remain vigilant and responsive to changes both locally and globally.

“Today’s economic and geopolitical shifts may close some doors — but they also open new ones. Take, for instance, India’s recent rise to become the world’s fourth-largest economy, surpassing Japan with a GDP now exceeding $ 4 trillion. This growth, despite global uncertainties, presents us with vast opportunities. Colombo’s strategic position places us at the heart of Indian Ocean trade — at precisely the right time,” she emphasised.

She said that initiatives like the India-UAE-Sri Lanka energy corridor, along with projects such as the new petroleum pipeline and upcoming LNG terminals, are set to bring in new volumes of containerised project cargo. These developments will not only expand the diversity of cargo handled but also generate fresh revenue opportunities for NVOCC operators.

According to Wickramasinghe currently, there are over 50 NVOCC agents, each representing multiple principals. While main line operators cover these trade lanes, NVOCCs also serve ports from China to the Upper Gulf, including Russia — providing customers with additional choices and enhanced service flexibility. 

“As Sri Lanka’s maritime landscape continues to evolve, we must ensure that Colombo remains competitive. Our collaborations with India and the Gulf region, combined with ongoing port modernisation, are key to this objective,” she said. 

However, the SLANA Chairperson pointed out that the industry cannot ignore the challenges. “One major concern for our members is the inability to collect Terminal Handling Charges (THC). A globally accepted practice that was previously implemented in Sri Lanka but has since been removed. This inconsistency places our industry at a disadvantage. It is essential that we come together as a unified voice to strongly advocate for the reinstatement of THC collections. This is not just about profitability — it is about aligning with international norms to ensure long-term sustainability and competitiveness,” she stressed.

SLANA Chief also told members that the potential ahead is enormous. “As regional carriers, we are well-positioned with services connecting India, China, the Middle East, the Far East, and Russia — among the world’s largest and fastest-growing economies. The momentum is with us, and it is up to us to seize this opportunity,” she added.

“Let us move forward with purpose and unity. Together, we can strengthen SLANA, elevate our members, and build a resilient future for the entire NVOCC community.

This is not just about progress for SLANA — it’s about setting a standard for the industry, inspiring trust, and driving meaningful change. Let us continue to collaborate, innovate, and lead with integrity,” Wickramasinghe said, adding “The future is ours to shape — and we will shape it together.”

Chief Guest Ports and Civil Aviation Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, in his address said that the Government aims to reach 33 million TEUs of container handling at Colombo Port by 2035.

“The Government will develop the port sector and have more facilities to meet future demands. We also plan to release some Port Authority-owned lands in Colombo and Trincomalee for the private sector to be used for port-related development,” he said. 

He also disclosed that the Government will invest around Rs. 500 million to conduct a feasibility study and build warehouses on Bloemendhal Road, as well as a container yard in Peliyagoda. “For this, maritime industry experts’ views and advice will be sought by the Government.”

“If not, these projects will be failures like the Mattala Airport, which was built without any industry consultation,” the Deputy Minister said.

The Minister also promised to look into the current Terminal Handling Charges issue.

He said that the Government is also trying to turn around SriLankan Airlines and make it a viable venture. “During the discussion, we found that there were a lot of management issues by previous governments.”

SLANA Executive Committee for 2025/26 comprises: Swabha Wickramasinghe (Chairperson) Worldlink Shipping Colombo Ltd., Ananda Senanayake (Vice Chairman) Lanka Shipping and Logistics Ltd., Surangi Gunasekera (Secretary) Prudential Shipping Lines Ltd., Gisantha De Silva (Treasurer) Interocean Containers Ltd., Members: Raj Rasiah – Smart Marine Lanka Ltd., Gihan Dias – Setmil United Cargo Ltd., Chaminda Baddegama – Goodrich Lanka Ltd., Hirantha Perera – Cordelia Container Line Lanka Ltd., Anusha Guneratne – Sea Trade Agencies Ltd., Eardley Noel – Pan Oceanic International Ltd., and Nilu Wickremasinghe – Sil Line Ltd.