CASA Champions Digitalisation and Port Productivity to Secure Sri Lanka's Maritime Future 📈

• Sector Overview: The Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) is driving key transformations across Sri Lanka's maritime ecosystem. Beyond geographic advantages, industry focus is shifting toward capacity expansion, operational productivity, and digital trade processes. • Key Figures & Port Performance: - The Port of Colombo handled a record >8.2 Mn TEUs in 2025, solidifying its status as a premier regional transshipment hub. - Capacity expansion initiatives include the East Container Terminal (ECT) and West Container Terminal (CWIT) to handle larger vessels. • Digital Transformation & Trade Facilitation: - Deployment of National Single Window (NSW), Maritime Single Window (MSW), and Port Community System (PCS). - Mandatory transition to electronic ASYHUB cargo manifest submissions active since May 2025. - Digitalization of vessel recovery changes scheduled for launch on 1 October 2026. • National Port Strategy: - Diversifying operations beyond Colombo to integrate Hambantota, Trincomalee, and Galle based on regional strengths. - CASA is advocating for a unified maritime governance framework to streamline regulatory approvals across ministries. • Human Capital & Global Target: - Seafaring Industry Target: Policy ambition seeks to expand Sri Lanka’s seafarer workforce from ~16,000 to 50,000, aiming to generate US$ 1.5 Bn in economic contribution.