SL and Singapore explore cooperation in maritime, port development and aviation sectors

Sri Lanka High Commissioner to the Republic of Singapore Senarath Dissanayake with Singapore Minister of Transport and Second Minister of Finance Chee Hong Tat

Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the Republic of Singapore, Senarath Dissanayake, recently met with Singapore’s Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance, Chee Hong Tat, and discussed potential cooperation between the two countries on joint initiatives.

During the meeting, Dissanayake provided an overview of opportunities in Sri Lanka, particularly in the maritime and port development sectors. He detailed the Sri Lankan government’s plans to transform the Colombo Port into a green and environmentally friendly port by 2030, with a focus on renewable energy sources and in line with the principles of the Blue Ocean Economy.

Chee highlighted Singapore’s efforts to decarbonise and digitalise shipping, with the aim of increasing efficiency, resilience and sustainability in international shipping. He emphasised the importance of a global network of ports using cleaner fuels to achieve these goals. The minister added that ports in several countries, including China, Japan and Australia, are already part of the Green-Digital Shipping Corridor programme.

In response, the High Commissioner expressed interest in the Port of Colombo joining Singapore’s Green-Digital Shipping Corridor initiative and acknowledged the potential for cooperation. The Minister assured that he would explore the feasibility of a partnership between the Sri Lankan and Singaporean ports under this initiative with the relevant authorities.

In addition, Chee suggested that Sri Lanka could explore the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), leveraging its renewable energy potential. SAF represents a promising opportunity for the aviation industry, aligned with global sustainable development goals.

Dissanayake, recognising Singapore’s advanced technological capabilities and innovative standards, requested support for training and knowledge transfer for Sri Lankan officials in the port and aviation sectors. Recognising the importance of sharing expertise and strengthening ties in these key areas, the Minister mentioned that Sri Lanka could benefit from training programmes offered by various Singapore authorities, including the Singapore Aviation Academy, the Maritime Training Facility and the Maritime and Port Authority.

Also attending the meeting were Deputy Director for Future Mobility and Special Assistant to the Minister Choo Jun Quan, Acting Deputy Director for International Relations Chan Guolong, Director for International Relations Dominic Lim, Head of Chancellery and Minister of the Sri Lankan High Commission in Singapore Ahamed Razee and Minister for Trade Yasantha Yaddehi.