Ship Chandlers Association seeks more Govt. support

The Ship Chandlers Association last week held its 14th Annual General Meeting at the Holiday Inn, Colombo with Harbour Master Capt Ravindra Asuntha Jayawickrama as the Chief Guest.
The Association’s Secretary Eric Cooray, who is also the Managing Director of Hansa Marine Enterprises said that the Association works together with all chandlers operating in the country to improve the quality of services offered to vessels calling over at the Colombo Port.
“While it goes unnoticed, the business of Ship Chandelling generates a significant sum of foreign exchange for the country because of the nature of our business.
As in any industry, there are challenges we face especially in these times of global recession,” Cooray pointed out.
According to him, the speciality of today’s chandlers is the high level of service available and the short time required to fill and deliver special orders. Because commercial ships discharge and turn around quickly today, delay is expensive and the services of a dependable ship chandler are urgent.
“In the current context, the marine industry requires qualified personnel with understanding of the shipping needs and operations with the ability to recognise and respond creatively to all changes of the market. The commitment of the Ship Chandler therefore must be to make our standard offers more accessible and affordable, while always challenging new technology needs,” the Association Secretary told the AGM.
In order to meet the challenges more effectively, he said that the Ship Chandlers Association requires more assistance from the government and the state apparatus, especially in light of the quantity of foreign exchange the country earns through this industry. Cooperation from the state authorities will no doubt enable the industry to reach unparalleled heights and enhance its portfolio of services to better serve the vessels docking at the Colombo Port.
“On a more introspective note, it is hoped that all members of the Ship Chandlers Association continue to work cohesively towards the betterment of the entire industry in the future. We must strive to ensure there is healthy competition within the industry and put the greater good before personal gain,” Cooray said.