Shipping industry urges regulatory reforms under new government

Sri Lanka’s shipping sector has called on the newly elected government, led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, to introduce regulatory reforms focused on digitalisation and transparency, to strengthen the country’s position as a leading maritime hub in the Indian Ocean.
The Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) emphasised the need for reforms to align with infrastructure developments, stating that boosting regulatory capacity, improving transparency and streamlining operations are essential to maintain Sri Lanka’s competitiveness in the global shipping industry.
“The government must enhance digitalisation efforts to modernise and harmonise processes across stakeholders, reducing inefficiencies and delays,” the CASA said in a congratulatory message to President Dissanayake and Transport, Highways, Ports, Shipping and Civil Aviation Minister Vijitha Herath. 
It added that greater transparency would foster trust and attract investments to the sector.
The CASA also urged public consultations before implementing new policies and called for anti-corruption measures, including stricter laws and better enforcement, to create a more accountable regulatory environment.
“Ethical conduct within the maritime sector will contribute to long-term sustainability,” the association noted.
The CASA, a proponent of digital transformation, has advocated for the adoption of platforms such as ASYHUB, the Port Community System (PCS), Maritime Single Window (MSW) and a National Single Window (NSW), to boost efficiency and drive growth. 
“Digitalisation remains a key area for innovation in Sri Lanka’s maritime sector in line with the global trends,” it said, highlighting the potential of electronic documentation, paperless transactions and blockchain technology in enhancing operational efficiency and transparency.
Despite the efforts, Sri Lanka ranked 73rd, out of 139 countries, in the 2023 Logistics Performance Index (LPI), trailing regional competitors like India and Malaysia. The CASA stressed that prioritising digitalisation is crucial to improving logistics efficiency and bolstering Sri Lanka’s competitive edge.
The association has also called for the establishment of a unified maritime governing body, similar to Singapore’s Maritime and Port Authority, to streamline governance and further enhance Sri Lanka’s position as a maritime hub.

The CASA aims to increase the number of Sri Lankan seafarers to 50,000, from the current 16,000, targeting an annual economic contribution of US $ 1.5 billion, up from US $ 420 million. It is working on developing a National Marine Human Resources Policy and forging partnerships with foreign governments to expand opportunities for Sri Lankan seafarers.
Sri Lanka’s shipping agency industry, comprising around 150 licensed companies, employs over 12,000 people and generates more than Rs.60 billion annually, with Rs.12 billion contributed to the government through taxes. The industry handles various operations, including container and bulk cargo, bunkering, ship repairs and passenger cruise liners, processing over 104 million tonnes of cargo in 2023.