Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council

Background

The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council was established in March 1966 to protect and promote the interests of shippers. It was the first National Shippers’ Council to be set up in Asia and was formed on a request made in 1965 by the local Committee of the Ceylon/Continental Conference, and a subsequent request made by the Director of Commerce in January 1966, to the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. The Sri Lanka Shippers’ Council is the apex body that represents the interest of the shippers.

Membership of the Council consisted of Chambers of Commerce and Trade Associations until 2002. Sixteen such organizations are currently members of the Council and the Council represents more than 95% of the import/export trade. The Council derives its broad based representation and membership from these trade Associations. The Council has now opened its doors to individual companies as Associate Members so that companies in the export/import trade could have access to the Council’s resources and expertise to resolve their shipping related problems. As at end August 2003, a total of 14 Companies have obtained Associate membership of the Council.

Services/Activities

Being the APEX Body, protect the interest of our customers and being a strong Advocate to the Government.

Ensure Cost Effectiveness strategies are developed and implemented in the logistics and Value Chain to make ourmembers more competitive.

Facilitate greater efficiencies in Logistics by reducing logistics barriers and simplifying trade.

Act as the mediator in resolving conflicts amongst our customers (members).

Facilitate a level playing field by developing and promoting a Code of Conduct / Ethics for our   customers (members).

Establish a Centre for excellence for information sharing and to upgrade competencies of members  to compete globally.

To leverage Regional and Global partnerships and facilitate global best practices in logistics in Sri  Lanka.