• Ashroff Omar tells International Maritime Conference 2026 fashion has become perishable, warns port delays erasing production-side gains
• Says AI usage in apparel industry remains below 0.5%, highlighting scope for productivity gains
• Credits Govt. for managing trade relationships reasonably well so far
• Notes Sri Lanka’s current tariff advantage over competitors not guaranteed to last, but infrastructure, logistics costs and efficiency are areas country can control

By Charumini de Silva

Brandix Lanka CEO Ashroff Omar called for a system of Customs pre-clearance directly from manufacturing plants to eliminate waiting time in the supply chain, warning that Sri Lanka’s current tariff advantage over regional competitors is not guaranteed to last and that infrastructure, logistics costs, and efficiency remain the areas within the country’s control.

• New supply chain era, market data, opportunities and technological updates among 12 plus sessions with over 50 speakers

The 8th edition of the Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference (CIMC 2026) will convene from 9 to 11 September at the oceanfront Radisson Blu Hotel Galadari Colombo.

Operating under the strategic theme "Building a world around us," this premier three-day summit arrives at a critical juncture as global supply chains face unprecedented volatility, strict decarbonisation mandates, and geopolitical shifts from the Gulf to major maritime choke points. The event is organised by CIMC Events and Shippers’ Academy Colombo/International.

By Charumini de Silva

US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairperson Laura DiBella yesterday said Sri Lanka must urgently seize its current window of opportunity to expand Colombo’s maritime and logistics hub by strengthening competition, reducing investment risks, and allowing businesses to take the lead.

Addressing the 8th edition of the Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference, she said the strategic importance of Colombo was growing as a significant transshipment point for US cargo and warned that the current opportunity for rapid expansion would not last indefinitely.

• Navigating VUCA world: How Gulf disruptions position Sri Lanka as South Asia’s next logistics anchor

Participants at the Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference 2026 on 9 to 11 September will be able to pick up useful insights into new opportunities in the sector.

US FMC Commissioner Robert Harvey tells Colombo forum the agency is taking an “increasingly assertive stance” on chokepoints threatening American cargo Extends an open door for Sri Lanka

THE US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Commissioner Robert J. Harvey delivered a striking endorsement of Sri Lanka’s role in global trade, while laying out the aggressive enforcement posture his agency is taking against disruptions to American cargo worldwide and extending a direct, personal invitation for closer cooperation with the Sri Lankan Government.

United States Federal Maritime Commission Chairman Laura DiBella (left) and Commissioner Robert J. Harvey

The global shipping and logistics sectors are turning their attention to South Asia as Colombo prepares to host the 8th edition of the Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference from 9 to 11 September.

As the 8th Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference (CIMC 2026) draws to a close, the most consequential takeaway for policymakers came not from regional cheerleading, but from a candid message delivered by the leadership of the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC).

The 10th anniversary of the Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference held last month saw posthumous recognition of several industry leaders as well as existing companies and individuals for their contribution to the maritime, shipping and logistics sector. Those who were posthumously recognised were the late Ravindra Galhena, Rohan Abeywickrema and Julian Bevis. Separately, former Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya, Hayleys Advantis Ltd., and senior journalist and Daily FT Editor Nisthar Cassim were recognised as well by the CIMC Sri Lanka founder Rohan Masakorala. Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof officiated at the presentation ceremony as well.

FMC Chairman Laura DiBella

Commissioner Robert Harvey

• 8th Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference

The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Laura DiBella and Commissioner Robert Harvey will visit Sri Lanka from 6-10 September to advance cooperation on maritime trade, investment, and the shipping networks connecting American businesses and consumers to markets across the Indo-Pacific.

• Optimum usage of energy is a mandatory requirement says SLPA Managing Director Eng. Ganaka Hemachandra

“A project and process are currently underway to utilise land owned by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) and the Port of Colombo (POC) for solar energy harvesting, aiming to produce green hydrogen under the port’s Green Energy Initiative program,” said SLPA Managing Director Eng. Ganaka Hemachandra.