ICS Sri Lanka Celebrates Excellence at 32nd Annual Awards Ceremony

The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers was founded in 1911 and It received its Royal Charter on 21 January 1920, henceforth it was known as the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers.

The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) (UK) promotes professionalism in the global maritime industry.

The Royal Charter required the Institute not only to provide a proper education for its members and set examinations, also insisted on a system of discipline so that any member acting in a discreditable manner would be censured, suspended or even expelled from the Institute.

The Institute represents all aspects of the shipping business and includes in its membership not only shipbrokers but shipowners, charterers, agents, forwarders and other shipping professionals. It is dedicated to the setting and maintenance of the highest standards in international transport and shipping business

In 1987, seven ICS members decided to pioneer the formation of the Sri Lanka Branch. Since then, with relatively insignificant beginnings, Branch has expanded and has risen in status with many significant achievements as it progressed.

The time-tested curriculum of the ‘Institute’ ensures it encompass the entire range of the subjects which addresses all facets- i.e. from the time a ship is built, through her life-time in service, until she is scrapped – that takes to form the global shipping industry. Thus, the ‘ICS’ qualification, as an internationally accepted professional qualification, provides a guarantee of genuine and in-depth knowledge of shipping business. It also extends the opportunity to obtain proficiency in chosen specialist subjects, while improving the ability to prudently analyze and assess issues with greater confidence and to communicate effectively on worldwide shipping business matters.

ICS Sri Lanka branch conducts lectures for the examination of the prestigious Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (UK). To get through the exam and to be called a Member of Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, one must sit for seven subjects in total, with a choice of compulsory and selective subjects. Examinations are held in May and November of each year in Colombo. The answer scripts are sent to ICS UK for marking. 

The Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (UK), Sri Lanka Branch successfully hosted its 32nd Annual Awards Ceremony on 27th March 2026 at Cinnamon Lakeside, Colombo, marking a distinguished evening dedicated to recognizing excellence in maritime, shipping, logistics, and professional education.

The prestigious national event brought together an eminent gathering of policymakers, industry leaders, academics, and international representatives, reflecting the growing importance of Sri Lanka’s maritime sector in the global logistics landscape. The event was further elevated by the participation of Mr. Krishnan Subramaniam, Chairman of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (UK), as Guest of Honour, highlighting the Institute’s global reach and continued engagement with Sri Lanka.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake, Advisor to the President on Maritime, Ports and Logistics, emphasised the strategic importance of human capital development, professional education, and policy alignment in positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive regional maritime and logistics hub. His address reinforced the need for innovation, knowledge-sharing, and international collaboration in navigating the evolving global shipping environment.

Mr. Lalith Witanachchi, Chairman of the ICS (UK) Sri Lanka Branch, reiterated the importance of collaboration among professional bodies, industry stakeholders, universities, and policymakers in developing the human capital required to position Sri Lanka as a maritime hub. He further highlighted the need to explore opportunities to foster and expand the country’s potential maritime economy.

A key highlight of the evening was the recognition of outstanding academic achievers and industry professionals who have demonstrated exceptional commitment, competence, and contribution to the maritime and logistics sectors. These accolades not only celebrated individual excellence but also symbolised the broader progress of professional standards within the industry.

In 1997 the ICS Sri Lanka Branch commenced the customer service awards for the main line operators and later for the Inland Container Depot & Non-vessel Operating Common Carrier (NVOCC).  This was to recognize and honour the excellence of customer service through its Customer Service Awards. The survey targeted seven trades under main line shipping agents’ category and two trades each under inland container depots operators and Customers of the main line agents, container depots & NVOCC agents under different trades were contacted individually via emails and were requested to give their opinions based on the customer service they received during the year 2025.

The event also served as a platform to strengthen industry-academia linkages, promote professional qualifications, and encourage the next generation of maritime professionals. The presence of a diverse audience, including corporate leaders, students, and practitioners, reflected the Institute’s ongoing role in fostering a knowledge-driven and globally connected maritime community.

The 32nd Annual Awards Ceremony reaffirmed the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (UK), Sri Lanka Branch’s commitment to advancing professionalism and excellence in commercial shipping. As Sri Lanka continues to enhance its position as a strategic hub in international trade routes, such initiatives play a critical role in shaping a resilient, skilled, and future-ready maritime sector.