November 02, Colombo (LNW): Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation Anura Karunathilake took part in India Maritime Week 2025 (IMW), held in Mumbai from October 27 to 31, an event organised by India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Addressing the ministerial plenary session, Minister Karunathilake emphasised that the oceans serve as vital links connecting nations, cultures, and economies, forming the backbone of global trade, energy exchange, and regional connectivity.
He commended India’s Sagarmala initiative and the Maritime India Vision 2030, describing them as key frameworks for advancing collective prosperity and collaboration across the Indian Ocean region.
The Minister observed that enhanced cooperation among Sri Lanka, India, and other neighbouring nations could lead to a more integrated network of ports, fostering economic resilience and facilitating the smooth movement of goods throughout South Asia.
Minister Karunathilake also participated in Sagarmanthan – The Great Oceans Dialogue, co-hosted by the Observer Research Foundation and India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. Taking part in a panel discussion titled Shaping the Future Global Logistics: Building Resilient, Smart and Sustainable Supply Chains, he outlined Sri Lanka’s ambition to position itself as a regional hub for bunkering and energy services, centred on the ports of Colombo, Trincomalee, and Hambantota.
He further highlighted the importance of automation and digital transformation in improving port capacity and operational efficiency.
During the event, the Minister held bilateral talks with India’s Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. Their discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in port infrastructure investment, training and skill development, digital innovation, and industrial partnerships.
Minister Karunathilake also visited the newly opened Navi Mumbai International Airport and the Jawaharlal Nehru Ports Authority as part of his engagements. He was accompanied by Sri Lanka’s Consul General in Mumbai, Priyanga Wickramasinghe, Consul (Commercial) Shirani Ariyarathna, and Private Secretary Sidath Perera.
