The management and senior officials of The Colombo Plan paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation, and the Sri Lankan Ports Authority (SLPA) on 11 October 2024, to extend congratulations to the new management of SLPA and update those present on recent developments and initiatives under the Maritime Advisory Programme (MAP). The delegation from The Colombo Plan was led by H.E. Dr Benjamin P. Reyes, Secretary-General of The Colombo Plan.

The meeting, chaired by Mr K.D.S. Ruwanchandra, Secretary to the Ministry, included key officials such as Admiral Sirimevan Sarathchandra Ranasinghe (Rtd), Chairman of the SLPA, Eng. Herath M.P. Jayawardhana, Vice Chairman and Mr Ganaka Hemachandra, Managing Director. The nominees of the Ministry of Ports and Shipping in Sri Lanka, under the SLPA, Ms. Zavia Miskin, Mr. Chitral Jayawarna, and Ms. Dimuthu Samarakoon, were also present.

Discussions centered on the importance of the MAP in enhancing Sri Lanka’s maritime capabilities and outlined key activities planned for the next two years. A crucial aspect of the programme will involve human capacity building, aimed at developing the skills and expertise of local personnel in the maritime sector.