High Commission of India, Colombo
The High Commission of India in Colombo organized a Curtain Raiser event on September 22, 2023, for the upcoming Global Maritime India Summit (GMIS), scheduled to take place in Mumbai, India from October 17-19, 2023. Honorable Nimal Siripala de Silva, Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Aviation, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Virtually present were Mr. T K Ramachandran, Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, along with senior officials from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. The event was also attended by H.E. Gopal Baglay, the High Commissioner of India in Sri Lanka, senior officials from the Government of Sri Lanka, and key figures from the business and industry sectors.
In his opening remarks, High Commissioner Gopal Baglay underscored the significance of collaboration between India and Sri Lanka in the maritime domain. He emphasized that both governments are actively working towards strengthening sea connectivity, as outlined in the recently launched vision document during the visit of the President of Sri Lanka to India. The High Commissioner expressed gratitude to Hon. Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva for confirming participation in the upcoming summit, and announced that Sri Lanka has been honored with the title of ‘Partner Country’ at the event.
Mr. T K Ramachandran, Secretary to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India, highlighted that the Global Maritime India Summit serves as a premier platform to drive the growth of the Indian maritime economy. It aims to foster global and regional partnerships, facilitate investments, and engage key stakeholders including policy makers, regulators, and industry leaders through a series of interactive dialogues and knowledge-sharing forums. He warmly welcomed the delegation from Sri Lanka, led by Hon. Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva, and expressed confidence that their participation will enhance bilateral business interactions and open avenues for increased investment from India in Sri Lanka’s maritime infrastructure development.
Hon. Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva extended gratitude to the Government of India for the invitation to the Global Maritime India Summit. He stressed the importance of close cooperation, knowledge exchange, and the adoption of cutting-edge technology for the advancement of the maritime sector. The Minister commended Indian investments in port development in Sri Lanka and reiterated the mutual commitment of both governments to the development of the industrial zone in Trincomalee. He also announced the imminent commencement of ferry services between Jaffna and Chennai, further enhancing regional connectivity.
Mr. Romesh David, CEO of the South Asia Gateway Terminals, Port of Colombo, highlighted the enormous potential for collaboration between India and Sri Lanka in the maritime sector, which could significantly catalyze economic growth in the entire region. The event was also attended by senior representatives from notable associations and chambers of commerce.
