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Sri Lanka Association of NVOCC Agents (SLANA) Seeks Unity and Progress in Evolving Maritime Landscape

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

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. The event highlighted the organization's progress, challenges, and future goals in the maritime industry. Chairperson Wickramasinghe emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among SLANA members, citing their shared commitment and vision as the driving force behind their success.

Key Takeaways:

  • SLANA has grown significantly since its establishment in 2016, with over 50 NVOCC agents representing multiple principals, offering customers additional choices and enhanced service flexibility.
  • The organization has played a pivotal role in making changes to streamline collaboration between NVOCC operators and feeder operators, introducing a separate licensing category for NVOCCs, and gaining direct access to port terminals for negotiating direct billing facilities.
  • SLANA members collectively contribute 15% to 20% of the country's import and export volumes, along with a modest but impactful share of transhipment cargo, supporting the national economy.
  • Chairperson Wickramasinghe highlighted the importance of regional operators remaining vigilant and responsive to changes locally and globally, emphasizing the need to navigate economic and geopolitical shifts.
  • The industry faces challenges, including the inability to collect Terminal Handling Charges (THC), which places NVOCC operators at a disadvantage. SLANA is advocating for the reinstatement of THC collections.
  • The organization is well-positioned to seize opportunities in the growing Indian Ocean trade, with initiatives like the India-UAE-Sri Lanka energy corridor, new petroleum pipeline, and upcoming LNG terminals set to bring in new volumes of containerized cargo.
  • The SLANA Executive Committee for 2025/26 will focus on strengthening the organization, elevating its members, and building a resilient future for the entire NVOCC community.

Statistics:

  • SLANA members collectively contribute 15% to 20% of the country's import and export volumes, along with a modest but impactful share of transhipment cargo.
  • India's GDP is now exceeding $4 trillion, presenting vast opportunities for the regional operators.
  • Colombo's strategic position in the Indian Ocean trade makes it an attractive destination for containerized cargo.
  • There are over 50 NVOCC agents, each representing multiple principals, offering customers additional choices and enhanced service flexibility.

Sources:

  • Worldlink Shipping Colombo Ltd.
  • Sri Lanka Association of NVOCC Agents (SLANA)
  • Deputy Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku
  • Ministry of Ports and Civil Aviation
  • Government of Sri Lanka
  • Sri Lanka Ports Authority

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