High Commissioner Senarath Dissanayake and Minister Chee Hong Tat discuss potential collaborations, focusing on sustainability and technological advancements.
On 19th June 2024, H.E. Senarath Dissanayake, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka, met with H.E. Chee Hong Tat, Minister for Transport and Second Minister for Finance of Singapore, to explore potential collaborations between the two countries in the maritime, port development, and aviation sectors. The meeting, held in Singapore, highlighted shared initiatives and opportunities for cooperation.
During the discussions, High Commissioner Dissanayake provided an overview of the opportunities available in Sri Lanka, particularly emphasizing the government’s plans to transform Colombo Port into a green and eco-friendly port by 2030. This transformation focuses on renewable energy sources and aligns with the principles of a blue ocean economy.
Minister Chee Hong Tat outlined Singapore’s efforts in maritime decarbonization and digitalization, aiming to enhance efficiency, resilience, and sustainability in international shipping. He stressed the importance of a global network of ports using cleaner fuels and mentioned that ports in China, Japan, and Australia are already part of the Green-Digital Shipping Corridor programme.
The High Commissioner expressed interest in having Colombo Port join Singapore’s Green-Digital Shipping Corridor initiative and acknowledged the potential for collaboration. Minister Chee assured that he would explore the feasibility of this partnership with the relevant authorities.
Additionally, Minister Chee suggested that Sri Lanka could explore the production of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), leveraging its renewable energy potential. He highlighted that SAF represents a promising opportunity for the aviation industry and aligns with global sustainability goals.
Recognizing Singapore’s advanced technological capabilities and innovative standards, High Commissioner Dissanayake requested support for training and knowledge transfer for Sri Lankan officials in the port and aviation sectors. Minister Chee mentioned that Sri Lanka could benefit from training programmes offered by various Singaporean authorities, including the Singapore Aviation Academy, the Maritime Training Facility, and the Maritime Port Authority.
Deputy Director (Future Mobility) and Special Assistant to the Minister, Mr. Choo Jun Quan, Acting Deputy Director (International Relations), Mr. Chan Guolong, and Executive (International Relations), Mr. Dominic Lim, accompanied Minister Chee during the meeting. High Commissioner Dissanayake was joined by Minister and Head of Chancery of the High Commission, Mr. Ahamed Razee, and Minister (Commercial) Mr. Yasantha Yaddehi.
Source: High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore
