Shippers’ Council holds 55th Annual General Meeting

From left: Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council Second Vice Chairman Nalaka Ratnayake, Chairman Trisherman Frink and First Vice Chairman Tyronne Weckasinghe

The 55th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council (SLSC) took place at Hilton Colombo recently. 

Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof was the chief guest at the event.

The AGM commenced with tributes to two distinguished SLSC Past Chairmen, the late W.T. Ellawala, who was Chairman from 1974 to 1977 and from 1989 to 1992 and the late Gordon De Silva, who was Chairman from 1994 to 1998. 

The SLSC, the apex body representing the shippers, was established in March 1966, to promote and protect the interests of the shippers. 

SLSC Chairman Sean Van Dort relinquished his position as Chairman, having completed a distinguished second term from 2023 to 2025. 

Lalan Rubbers (Pvt.) Ltd General Manager Shipping and Logistics Trisherman Frink, First Vice-Chairman, who represents the Colombo Rubber Traders’ Association, was unanimously elected as Chairman of the SLSC. Flintec Transducers (Pvt.) Ltd Managing Director Tyronne Weckasinghe, who represents the Free Trade Zone Manufacturers’ Association, was unanimously elected as First Vice-Chairman and Hayleys PLC Deputy General Manager Group Freight Management Nalaka Ratnayake, who represents the Exporters’ Association of Sri Lanka, was unanimously elected as Second Vice-Chairman. 

Dort’s speech highlights deep concern over the entrenched corruption within Sri Lanka’s import-export sector. He asserted that the trading community itself—comprising both importers and exporters—has been a key contributor to this issue, with unethical practices spanning from senior management to operational staff. Emphasising the need for internal reform, he stressed that meaningful change must originate within the private sector, rather than relying solely on government action. 

Dort strongly advocated for full digitalisation of trade processes as the most effective way to eliminate face-to-face interactions and curb bribery. With growing support from industry associations and the implementation of a new legal framework, he urged the stakeholders to take responsibility, adopt digital systems and work collectively to secure a better future. 

Frink said, “As we mark over six decades of advocacy and service, we are reminded that the role of the SLSC is not static — it must evolve with the times. The global and regional shipping environment is undergoing rapid transformation:

• Rising freight costs,
• Geopolitical tensions affecting trade lanes,
• Increasing digitalisation in supply chain management,
• And ever-present call for more sustainable and environmentally conscious logistics practices.

For Sri Lankan exporters and importers, these changes present both challenges and opportunities. 

Our role — now more than ever — is to ensure that the voice of the shipper remains strong, credible and solution-oriented at every forum where decisions are made.

As I step into this role, I am deeply aware of the need for action, not just reflection.” 

Together with the Executive Committee, Frink proposed to focus on several key priorities in the year ahead:

1. Advocacy for equitable policy

 “We will continue to engage constructively with the regulators, policymakers and port authorities to ensure transparency in freight, eliminate inefficiencies and advocate for shipper-friendly policies that enable trade competitiveness.

2. Digital transformation

The world is moving rapidly toward paperless trade and data-driven logistics. 

We will work toward helping our members to embrace these shifts while lobbying for digital infrastructure development within the Sri Lankan trade ecosystem and we request authorities to implement the single window concept as a priority to ensure ease of doing business and attracting foreign direct investments into the country.

3. Capacity building and knowledge sharing

Through workshops, knowledge forums and closer collaboration with academic institutions and trade bodies, we will focus on building expertise across our community — especially among our youth and next-generation shippers which we have been already practicing by offering scholarships to our membership. 

4. Sustainability and resilience

We must now think beyond efficiency and cost. Our sector needs to align with global ESG goals and enhance supply chain resilience. The council will advocate for smarter, greener practices in shipping and logistics.

5. Regional collaboration

We will actively strengthen regional cooperation, ensuring that Sri Lanka remains an integral voice in global shipping dialogues.” 

A special feature of the evening was the recognition and presentations made to the distinguished SLSC Past Chairmen, Royle Jansz (1992-1994), Rohan De S. Wijeyeratne (1998-1999), Rohan Masakorala (1999-2002), Ravi Ratnapala (2002-2004), Noel Priyatilleke (2004-2005), Jayanath Perera (2005-2007), Ananda Wijesuriya (2007-2008), Randolph Perera (2008-2010), Gihan Kuruppu (2010-2012) Dinesh De Silva (2012-2014) Sean Van Dort (2014-2017 and 2023-2025), Chrisso de Mel (2017-2019), Suren Abeysekera (2019-2021) and Russell Juriansz (2021-2023) and SLSC and The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce Past Secretary-General Chullantè’ Jayasuriya (1992-2002), to appreciate and acknowledge their exceptional leadership, guidance, commitment and contribution in promoting the ideals, standards and principles of the SLSC.