Shippers’ Council marks 60 years of service at 56th AGM

SLSC Executive Committee for the Year

The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council (SLSC) marked its 60th anniversary at the 56th Annual General Meeting held on 10 July at Shangri-La Colombo.

The event was attended by Matthew Duckworth, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, as Chief Guest, with Hayleys PLC Chairman Mohan Pandithage attending as Guest of Honour. 

Trisherman Frink was re-elected Chairman of the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council for a second consecutive term. 

Highlighting the Council’s vision of enhancing competitiveness by eliminating hidden logistics costs, Frink noted that unnecessary delays, inefficient procedures, avoidable surcharges, and outdated regulations continue to undermine the competitiveness of Sri Lankan businesses. He stressed the importance of greater efficiency, digitalisation, and collaboration in ensuring Sri Lanka remains competitive in global trade.

Reviewing the Council’s work over the past year, he highlighted its continued engagement with key government agencies including Sri Lanka Customs, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority, the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka, the Merchant Shipping Secretariat, the Export Development Board, Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka), and international development partners, to advance trade facilitation and improve the country’s logistics ecosystem. 

Representing 17 trade associations, the Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council continues to advocate for policy reforms, lower logistics costs, improved trade facilitation, and a more competitive environment for Sri Lanka’s import and export sectors.