Seafarers could contribute to revive Sri Lanka’s economy If their quantity and quality is improved

• It was revealed that the 36 ships are completely handled by Sri Lankan seafarers at the moment

By Yohan Perera

Seafarers could contribute towards the revival of Sri Lanka’s economy if their quantity and quality is improved, chief of a private company which manages ships said.

Executive Chairman Ceyline Group Ajith Peiris who was speaking during an event held to recognize and reward its employees said there are 15,000 seafarers in Sri Lanka which brings US $ 500 million to Sri Lanka and that this can be increased if the number of effectively trained seafarers can be increased.

“We are negotiating with the government to increase the number of Sri Lankan seafarers to 50,000. At the moment, one per cent of the global seafarers are Sri Lankans,” he said.

It was revealed that the 36 ships are completely handled by Sri Lankan seafarers at the moment.

Ceyline Group is engaged in managing ships and training seafarers. The company has produced around 1,000 seafarers to date.