The 8th edition of the Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference (CIMC) 2026 is scheduled to take place from September 9 to 11, 2026, at the Radisson Blu Hotel Galadari Colombo, Sri Lanka. This premier regional event brings together global port operators, shipping lines, and logistics providers to discuss the evolving dynamics of the Indian Ocean's maritime and logistics landscape.

Conference Theme and Focus

The 2026 edition centers on the theme "Building a world around us," emphasizing Sri Lanka's role as a critical hub in the global supply chains. Key focus areas include:

  • Capacity Expansion: Discussions will highlight the Sri Lanka’s massive port capacity increase, aiming for nearly 100% new container capacity by the end of 2027, in Colombo & Hambantota, to solidify its status as a top transshipment hub that will be open for international investments in container terminals.
  • Logistics, storage and distribution: Sri Lanka is the best location in the Indian Ocean given the developments in geopolitics to secure efficient logistics services, including free port operations, transit value addition, storage & distribution for cargo and bunker services.
  • South Asian Growth: With India projected to be the third-largest economy by 2030 and with massive container output, the conference will serve as a platform for shipping companies and investors to explore regional investment dynamics and connectivity with backward integration.
  • Technology transition: The conference will evaluate, 360-degree opportunities, adapt the latest technologies to all logistics related industries, making Sri Lanka a partner in supporting efficient, secure supply chain destinations to global clients.

Event Highlights

The three-day program is expected to host over 500 delegates and features:

  1. Inauguration & Networking: An opening ceremony followed by a high-level networking reception.
  2. Full day conference sessions: Sessions dedicated to efficient logistics services, including free port operations, transit value addition, regional dynamics with India aiming to be the largest economy by 2030, latest technologies to all logistics related industries
  3. Report Launch: The event will feature the official launch of the South Asia Container Report 2026, providing critical data for industry stakeholders and related port and shipping discussions

Strategic Importance

Organized by CIMC Events in collaboration with the Shippers' Academy Colombo and Shippers’ Academy International, the conference is endorsed by the Ministry of Ports & Civil Aviation and other government institutions and the Office of the Special Advisor to the President on Investments. It is also supported and endorsed by multiple chambers and international organisations.

The Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference (CIMC) is designed for a broad spectrum of professionals ranging from seasoned industry veterans to budding entrepreneurs. The event typically hosts approximately 500 delegates. 

The following groups and professionals should attend:

Industry Stakeholders

  • Shipping & Port Operators: International port operators and shipping companies attend to understand global perspectives and South Asian market focus.
  • Logistics Providers: Professionals from logistics companies and ancillary services companies.
  • Technology Partners: Providers of ICT technology, 5G, port automation, and IoT solutions relevant to shipping and logistics.
  • Regional Experts: Industry experts from across South Asia, South East Asia and around the world, to discuss regional connectivity and transshipment developments. 

Business and Government Leaders

  • Policy Makers & Government Officials: The conference provides policy makers with inputs for developing maritime ecosystems and national logistics infrastructure.
  • Investors: Those looking for investment opportunities in regional maritime economies and multi-billion-dollar services sectors. 

Specialized Professionals

  • Supply Chain Managers: Professionals interested in mitigating supply chain disruptions and integrating into global supply chains.
  • Academic and Training Entities: Organizations focused on maritime talent development and structured training for the sector.

Key Benefits for Attendees

  • Networking: Connecting with industry leaders, building new commercial partnerships, and expanding existing relationships.
  • Knowledge Acquisition: Gaining insights into innovation, regional competition trends, and the future of shipping, ports, and logistics.
  • Market Intelligence: Accessing reports on India's transshipment developments, regional feeder networks, and global freight markets.
  • Field Visits: Participation in port visits, free zone visits, and Port City
File Name   
CIMC Session 3           download pdf hi
Final Innaugural Speech - Jon Goldner download pdf hi
P1 - South Asia Speech - Jon Goldner download pdf hi
P2 - South Asia Container Market 2024 - RP SIR-REVISED download pdf hi
Session 5 - Tank Container Industry download pdf hi
Session 3 - Christina Prieser download pdf hi
Session 4 download pdf hi
Session 4 - Advancing a digital future for the freight and logistics ecosystem download pdf hi
Session 5 - Ramakrishan CIMC_2024_draft_updated download pdf hi
Session 7 - How is freight forwarding companies coping up in the face of rising competition - NP          download pdf hi
Session 7 - GEX download pdf hi
Session 9 - Aramex_TheFutureofE-commerce download pdf hi
Session 2 - Ian James download pdf hi

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Colombo International Maritime & Logistics Conference

September 9 th to 11 th September 2026

Raddison Blu Galadari Colombo, Sri Lanka

1. Venue
Conference: Raddison Blu Galadari Colombo,
64, Janadhipathi Mawatha, Colombo 1
Phone: +94 77 352 1545

2. From Airport To Hotel
The hotel is located in the CBD. From the airport it will take about 35 minutes to the hotels in Colombo 1.
Please refer the hotel packages for hotel bookings and airport transfers

3. Visa for Sri Lanka:
Please see the below link for all visa details to Sri Lanka
https://www.immigration.gov.lk/
https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/

4. Currency/Banking

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Foreign currency can be changed in hotels, banks and authorised exchange dealers located all around the city. If the visitor needs to change money outside the usual
banking hours, there are 24 hours exchange counters operating in the Bandaranaike International Airport. Banks open normally from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Most credit cards are
accepted in many hotels, shops and restaurants.

Please check the below Central Bank link for all currency indicative exchange rates
https://www.cbsl.gov.lk/en/rates-and-indicators/exchange-rates

5. Language
English is spoken widely, while the local languages are Sinhalese and Tamil

6. Climate
Will be about 26 – 35°C (outside temperature)

7. Electricity
Electricity in Sri Lanka is at 230V, 50Hz. The power plugs used are of the three-pin, square-shaped or round-shaped type. It is suggested to check before using an electrical appliance.

switch

8. Time
5 ½ hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

9. Drinking Water
Bottled drinking water

10. Dialling to Sri Lanka
+94
http://www.countrycallingcodes.com/

11. Mobile Phones
http://www.smssrilanka.com/sim-Cards.php
Sim cards are available at the airport

12. Smoking
Not allowed inside the hotel and public areas, unless otherwise stated.

13. Dress code

Official functions/meetings/inauguration:
Lounge suit

Casual attire:
Light and summer clothing made from natural fabrics like cotton is best for everyday wear.

14. Useful links
http://www.gov.lk/web/ - General information on Government of Sri Lanka
http://www.srilanka.travel/- Sri Lanka Tourism
http://www.railway.gov.lk/- Sri Lanka Railways
https://www.google.lk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=hospitals%20in%20sri%20lanka - List of hospitals in Colombo
http://www.police.lk/ - Sri Lanka Police
http://www.mea.gov.lk/- Ministry of Foreign Affairs
http://www.slpa.lk/- Sri Lanka Ports Authority
http://www.immigration.gov.lk/- Department of Immigration & Emigration

15. Ample taxi services available with air conditioning, including uber. There are three wheelers available all over the city, but we recommend a taxi