By: Staff Writer
January 23, Colombo (LNW): A groundbreaking initiative designed to open new avenues for women in Sri Lanka’s maritime industry is now in motion.
The program is a monumental step in promoting gender diversity and inclusion within this traditionally male-dominated sector, offering young women the opportunity to embark on transformative careers at sea.
The inaugural program, supported by an investment of USD 110,000, sponsors 15 female cadets, including seven deck cadets and eight engineering cadets.
This historic batch of female navigation cadets will set sail together for the first time in January 2025, followed by the engineering cadets beginning their training in April 2025.
The initiative has garnered strong support from esteemed organizations, such as the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, the High Commission of Australia, the German Embassy, the Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents, and WISTA Sri Lanka. Their collective endorsement underscores the importance of advancing gender equality and empowering women in maritime careers.
At the forefront of this change is Centrum Marine Consultancy (Pvt) Ltd., a trailblazer in maritime human resources and a staunch advocate for gender diversity. The company has launched the innovative ‘She Can Sail the Seas’ program, specifically aimed at breaking down long-standing gender barriers in the maritime sector.
The official launch of the initiative was attended by notable dignitaries, including Dr. Felix Neumann, Ambassador of the German Embassy in Colombo; Colonel Amanda Jonston, Defense Advisor at the High Commission of Australia; and Lieutenant Commander Jessica De Mont, Naval Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Colombo.
The ‘She Can Sail the Seas’ program is co-sponsored by Peter Döhle Schiffahrts-KG, Hamburg, a global leader in shipping, while CINEC Maritime Campus serves as the technical partner, offering critical expertise in maritime training.
Speaking on the occasion, Kalinga De Silva, Managing Director of Centrum Marine Consultancy, remarked, “This is a pivotal moment for the maritime industry in Sri Lanka. We are proud to lead the way in empowering women to pursue careers at sea. Our mission is to create a lasting impact, paving the way for future generations of female seafarers and demonstrating that the seas are open to all who dare to sail them.”
The vision of Centrum Marine Consultancy goes well beyond this inaugural cohort. The company plans to sponsor up to 150 female cadets in the coming years, challenging societal norms and encouraging families to support their daughters in pursuing maritime careers.
The significance of this initiative transcends numbers, symbolizing a crucial leap toward inclusivity and diversity in the maritime sector. It stands as a beacon of hope, inspiring young women to explore careers at sea while reshaping societal perceptions about women’s roles in the industry.
