The 8th Colombo International Maritime and Logistics Conference (CIMC) 2026, organized with the aim of positioning Sri Lanka as a regional maritime hub, officially commenced in Colombo on September 9,
Addressing the inaugural session as the Chief Guest, Minister of Ports, Civil Aviation and Energy Anura Karunathilaka emphasized that the Government is prepared to make maximum use of Sri Lanka’s strategic geographical location to strengthen the country’s role in securing international supply chains. Held under the theme “Building a World Around Us,” the conference focuses on strengthening Sri Lanka’s maritime and logistics capabilities and enhancing its role in global supply chains.
A key highlight of this year’s conference was the participation of Laura DiBella, Chairwoman of the United States Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), marking the first occasion on which she has addressed a South Asian conference. She elaborated on the importance of international maritime transport regulatory frameworks.
Western Province Governor and Presidential Special Envoy for Foreign Investment Hanif Yusoof, Deshamanya Karu Jayasuriya, and CIMC Founder and Chairman Rohan Masakorala were among the distinguished guests who attended the event.
The conference brings together local and international representatives from the maritime and logistics sectors to explore ways to improve operational efficiency, technology adoption and other strategic approaches in Sri Lanka.
