Founded in 1951, The Colombo Plan is a regional inter-governmental organisation consisting of 28 member countries and operating on the partnership concept of self-help and mutual help to enhance human capital development and south-south cooperation.
Celebrating 73 years of steadfast commitment to impactful endeavours, The Colombo Plan today implements capacity-building programmes in over 80 countries and stands as a testament to the power of cooperation and collective action in driving sustainable development.
The Colombo Plan is the only intergovernmental organisation based in Sri Lanka and implements a broad scope of programmes, including the Drug Advisory Programme (DAP), Maritime Advisory Programme (MAP), Gender Affairs Programme (GAP), Capacity Building Programme (CBP), and the Programme for Economic and Climate Change (ECC).
The Colombo Plan continues to evolve, remaining relevant and responsive to the dynamic socio-economic landscape of the region. The latest addition to its portfolio of global capacity building programmes, the Maritime Advisory Programme (MAP), underscores this commitment by tackling critical areas in maritime governance, security and knowledge exchange.
THE MARITIME ADVISORY PROGRAMME
With funding support from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs via the U.S. Embassy in Colombo, The Colombo Plan launched the Maritime Advisory Programme with the Port of Colombo as a pilot project in partnership with the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA).
This project aims to enhance SLPA’s human resource capabilities through professional training in alignment with global standards and best practices. This three-year project consists of several key activities, including port study-exchanges, capacity building initiatives, and the facilitation of international maritime expert advisory visits to SLPA. These activities are designed to improve maritime connectivity, promote economic growth, and enhance technology & cyber-security for the port sector.
LAUNCH OF THE MARITIME ADVISORY PROGRAMME
The Maritime Advisory Programme (Port of Colombo Capacity Building Project) was launched on 31 January 2024 in Colombo, Sri Lanka.
The event was graced by Chief Guest, Honourable Minister of Ports Shipping and Aviation of Sri Lanka, Mr. Nimal Siripala De Silva and Guest of Honour, H.E. Julie Chung, Ambassador of United States of America to Sri Lanka and the Secretary-General of The Colombo Plan, Dr Benjamin P. Reyes. The launch was well-attended by Ambassadors, High Commissioners and Diplomats from member countries of The Colombo Plan.
A PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP WORKSHOP WITH THE COMMERCIAL LAW DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
A collaboration between The Colombo Plan and the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) of the United States Department of Commerce. The programme, A collaboration between The Colombo Plan and the Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) Workshop held on the 11th of March 2024 was facilitated by Mr. Wim Welvaarts, Senior Port Consultant of Rebel Group (The Netherlands). Mr Rohan Masakorala, Lead Consultant for The Colombo Plan Maritime Advisory Programme (MAP), played a key role in this initiative, which was coordinated by Ms Lindsey Scannell, Senior Counsel at CLDP, and Mr Maxwell Gruber, Senior International Program Specialist. Mr Romesh David, CEO of SAGT, contributed as a guest speaker.
There was a high level of engagement and active discussion among the SLPA participants, who were eager to drive transformative changes for the ports of Sri Lanka. The participants were exclusively from the Sri Lankan Ports Authority and engaged in discussions regarding the significance and methods of implementing public-private partnership systems at the Port of Colombo to enhance and strengthen its operations.
The activities conducted over the period are listed below:
SKILL CONNECT TRAINING COURSE ON THE EMPOWERING COMMUNICATIONS FOR MARITIME CONNECTIVITY
The first workshop of The Colombo Plan Maritime Advisory Programme (MAP), held on 29 February 2024 focused on "Empowering Communications for Maritime Connectivity". The occasion was graced by the Secretary-General of The Colombo Plan, Dr Benjamin P. Reyes, Mr Dustin Bickel, U.S. Regional Indo-Pacific Strategy Coordinator, Mr John Wise - the Deputy Director for Security Assistance and Mr Keith Bernard, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
According to the agreements with SLPA, the communications workshop is an important focus area to the SLPA as they engage with international and local clients in day-to-day maritime related work. The objective of the training session was to enhance capabilities and professionalism of the executive staff when dealing with global clients as a hub port in Asia to provide an effective and efficient services. The workshop concluded on 28 March 2024, with an awards ceremony to celebrate the participants' achievements.
THE FIRST BATCH OF SLPA PARTICIPANTS’ EXCHANGE TOUR TO USA – VIRGINIA PORT VISIT
Delegates from the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA) participated in a Port study visit to the Port of Virginia Authority (VPA), Norfolk in United States. The VPA is branded as a “Smart Port” in the US East coast with its automated and highly efficient port management systems. A smart port like the Virginia port integrates advanced technology and data-driven solutions to optimize operations, enhance efficiency, and improve connectivity.
During this visit, the Sri Lanka Ports Authority signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) with the Virginia Port Authority on information and knowledge exchange for mutual growth and enhanced connectivity.
Additionally, the visit encompassed engagements with U.S. government bodies such as the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs and the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, focusing on policy frameworks and international relations in port management.
Discussions with the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation and the USAID addressed funding mechanisms and investment opportunities, while visits to Virginia Ports Authority terminals, the Department of Transportation, Givens Logistics and CMA CGM Headquarters, offered practical insights into port operations and logistics.
Further, academic engagement with ODU Maritime Studies highlighted maritime cybersecurity and supply chain management.
SKILL CONNECT TRAINING COURSE ON EFFECTIVE NEGOTIATION FOR MARITIME PROFESSIONALS
The Colombo Plan successfully conducted the Skill Connect Training Course on Effective Negotiation for Maritime Professionals organized for 40 staff members of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority. The training session, facilitated by Mr. Tissa Dissanayake, commenced on 24 July 2024, and concluded on 25 July 2024.
This intensive two-day course focused on enhancing the negotiation skills of maritime professionals. Key areas covered included identifying different types of negotiators, mapping individual negotiation challenges, leveraging relationships, and distinguishing between positional and integrative bargaining strategies.
The training was well-received, providing participants with valuable insights and practical tools to improve their negotiation capabilities within the maritime industry.
To conclude the year, MAP plans to host a cybersecurity project and a peer advisory mission.
