The High Commission of India held a Curtain Raiser in Colombo on September 22 for the Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS) to be held in India from October 17-19 at Mumbai. Ports, Shipping and Aviation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva was the chief guest.
Secretary to the Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, T K Ramachandran and senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways attended the event virtually. Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay, senior government officials and captains of business and industry, were also present.
Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Gopal Baglay addressing Curtain Raiser for the Global Maritime India Summit
High Commissioner Baglay stressed the importance of cooperation between India and Sri Lanka in the maritime sector. He said that both Governments are working on enhancing sea connectivity, as mentioned in the vision document launched by the leaders during the recent visit of the President of Sri Lanka to India.
The High Commissioner thanked Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation for confirming participation at the summit in India in October 2023 and said that Sri Lanka has been accorded the status of ‘Partner Country’ at the summit.
Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, said that the Global Maritime India Summit is a flagship event aimed at propelling the Indian maritime economy by promoting global and regional partnerships and facilitating investments. He welcomed participation of the delegation from Sri Lanka, led by the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation at the 3-day summit in India, which will bring together global maritime players, policymakers and regulators, key opinion leaders and industry leaders through a series of engaging dialogues, forums and knowledge exchange platforms.
He said that the event will give an opportunity to the Government of Sri Lanka in attracting greater investment from India in the development of its maritime infrastructure. It will also facilitate greater business to business interactions.
Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva emphasized the importance of close collaboration, exchange of knowledge and adaptation of new technology for growth of the maritime sector. He appreciated Indian investment in port development in Sri Lanka and highlighted the desire of both the Governments to work closely to develop the industrial zone at Trincomalee. The Minister recalled India’s support in establishing air connectivity between Jaffna and Chennai and announced early commencement of ferry services between the two countries.
CEO of the South Asia Gateway Terminals, Port of Colombo Romesh David highlighted the potential of India-Sri Lanka collaboration in the maritime sector in catalysing economic development of the region. Senior officials from prominent associations such as Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, Indo Lanka Chamber of Commerce, Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents, Association of Container Transporters, Sri Lanka Logistics and Freight Forwarders Association, Hub Operators Association of Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Logistics Providers Association, Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council, International Chamber of Commerce attended the event.
