Freeport Operators' Association maiden AGM marks landmark step for logistics industry

THE inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Freeport Operators' Association was held at the Kingsbury Hotel Colombo on 19 May, marking a significant milestone for Sri Lanka's logistics and freeport sector.

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The event was graced by a distinguished audience comprising senior Government officials, industry leaders, and member representatives.

Western Province Governor Hanif Yusoof, attended the AGM as the Chief Guest and Avery Denisson Sri Lanka Office General Manager Lakshitha Dharmawansa, as the Guest of Honour. Board of Investment Director General Renuka M. Weerakone, Treasury Director General Dr. Sulakshan Jayawadena and senior officials from the Export Development Board (EDB), including Priyadarshanie Hewawasam and Indumini Kodikara were also present.

In his keynote, Western Province Governor Yusoof, a seasoned logistics expert and a respected visionary, underscored the transformative potential of Sri Lanka's Free Zone model. He emphasised the sector's strategic role in driving economic development, job creation, and foreign reserve generation. Citing the country's ongoing debt restructuring, he highlighted logistics and Freeport operations as key pillars to strengthening national reserves and pledged the Government's continued support to develop the sector as a national priority.

Freeport Operators Association Honorary Secretary General Rohan Masakorala, a prominent advocate for the logistics industry, paid tribute to pioneers such as Tuli Cooray, Noel Priyathilaka, Ashroff Omar and treasury officials in 2013 who were instrumental in establishing the legal foundation for free ports in Sri Lanka.