The "Mahinda Chinthana 2011 - Vision for the Future" policy statement envisages making Sri Lanka as a regional maritime hub, in order for our country to be the "Wonder of Asia".  "Maritime and Naval Hub" takes a prominent place among those five sectors.  While Admiral Colombage was performing duties as Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, he actively contributed toward Sri Lanka's journey towards becoming Maritime and Naval Hub under the able guidance of Secretary of Defence Urban Development Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

Presently Admiral Colombage is the Chairman of Ceylon Shipping Corporation and he was appointed as the Chairman while performing duties as the Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy considering his contribution towards Maritime sector of the country.  He has been instrumental in reviving the once Shipping Corporation back to its past glory and contribute to the dream of the maritime hub.

He is an expert in Maritime field with a distinguished naval career spanning 36 years.  He has been conferred with two Masters Degrees and presently, Admiral Colombage is reading for his Doctorate in Philosophy.  As a renowned scholar of international repute, he has published papers and conducted national level seminars on maritime security.  He has been certified by the International maritime Organization (IMO) as a lecturer in International Conventions on Port and Ship Security (ISPS).  He is also a Fellow of the Nautical Institute of the United Kingdom and currently the Chairman of the Sri Lanka Branch.  With his vast knowledge and professional expertise, his contribution to the new portfolio will be of immense importance at a time when the island-nation is poised to be a key maritime hub in the region in her quest to be the "Wonder of Asia".(KH)