“I as the Minister of Ports and Shipping am particularly interested in the developments taking place in the import and export sector of the economy, as it directly plays a part in the balance that we are seeking in the national economy. Therefore, believe the role of the Council in developing the sector is a very important one. I am aware of the fact that the Council had been playing a vital role in shaping up the Import and Export Sector of Sri Lanka and also has been a strong force in protecting and promoting the interests of shippers. The historical record show, that since its inauguration on March 1966, the Council has influenced the successive governments on numerous occasions on matters of great economic importance to our country. I commend the continuous commitment and cooperation of the successive management teams, which have affectedly led your Association over the years. I hope you will scale new heights in the future…”  Minister Ranathunga said.

Sri Lankan Shippers Council is the first National Asian Shippers Council. Shippers Council was established on the 1966. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is the main contributor to the establishment of the Shippers Council. Also, the Council has been a member of several organizations, such as Chamber of Commerce, Trade associations and independent organizations. The council consists of 14 production companies for the board of management. This company has been able to largely contribute to the percentage of imports and exports of Sri Lanka. The 50th anniversary celebrations of this company was held yesterday (28), at the Cinnamon Grand Hotel, Colombo.

Chairman of the Shippers Association Sean Van Dort, in his address expressed his ideas as such, “The Shippers Council has played a pivotal role in the development of our import & export trade especially considering that we as an Island nation with a population of 20 million and needs to reach out to international market with our world class products on a consistence basis. It gives me great pleasure to deliver this message on this remarkable celebration on the 50th anniversary of the Shippers Council…”