Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council marks 60 years of service at 56th AGM

Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council Executive Committee for the Year 2026/2027

From left: Russell Juriansz (Past Chairman), Nalaka Ratnayake (First Vice Chairman), Trisherman Frink (Chairman), Ushan de Silva (Second Vice Chairman) and Yashodha Fernando (Secretariat, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce)

Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council Chairman Trisherman Frink 

The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council (SLSC), the apex body representing Sri Lanka’s importers and exporters, marked its 60th anniversary at its 56th Annual General Meeting held on 10 July 2026 at Shangri-La Colombo, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening Sri Lanka’s trade competitiveness through improved logistics, trade facilitation, and public-private collaboration.

The event was attended by Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Matthew Duckworth as Chief Guest, with Hayleys PLC Chairman Mohan Pandithage attending as Guest of Honour. The gathering brought together senior representatives from Government institutions, trade associations, the logistics and shipping sectors, development partners, and members of the Council.

Trisherman Frink was re-elected Chairman of the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council for a second consecutive term. Addressing the gathering, he reflected on the Council's six decades of service as the collective voice of Sri Lankan shippers and reaffirmed its commitment to improving the country's trading environment through constructive engagement with policymakers and industry stakeholders.

Highlighting the Council's vision of enhancing competitiveness by eliminating hidden logistics costs, Frink noted that unnecessary delays, inefficient procedures, avoidable surcharges, and outdated regulations continue to undermine the competitiveness of Sri Lankan businesses. He stressed the importance of greater efficiency, digitalisation, and collaboration in ensuring Sri Lanka remains competitive in global trade.

Reviewing the Council's work over the past year, he highlighted its continued engagement with key Government agencies including Sri Lanka Customs, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, the Merchant Shipping Secretariat, the Export Development Board, Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka), and international development partners, to advance trade facilitation and improve the country's logistics ecosystem. He also noted the Council's active participation in the Asian Shippers Alliance and the Global Shippers Alliance, strengthening international cooperation and ensuring Sri Lanka's interests are represented in global trade discussions.

Looking ahead, Frink said the Council will continue to advocate for policies that improve trade competitiveness, accelerate digital trade facilitation, remove unnecessary logistics barriers, and promote international best practices across the sector.

He expressed appreciation to all sponsors - Gold Sponsors - Abanchy Ceylon, and Ocean Network Express Lanka, Silver Sponsors - Hayleys Advantis, Ansell Lanka, MAC Holdings, Scanwell Logistics Colombo, and Foreway Logistics, and E-Banner Sponsors - David Pieris Logistics  and SCS Express, with special mention of the Preferred Terminal Operator - South Asia Gateway Terminals (Private) Limited

Representing 17 leading trade associations, the Sri Lanka Shippers' Council continues to advocate for policy reforms, lower logistics costs, improved trade facilitation, and a more commpetitive environment for Sri Lanka's import and export sectors.