The International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH) was found in November 1955 under the motto "World Peace through World Trade, World Trade through World Ports". Today, as the global alliance of the world port community, it represents some 200 ports and 140 port-related organizations of about 90 countries across the world. IAPH meets every two years at its World Port Conference, the largest gathering of the world port community. Port executives & experts coming from all parts of the world exchange views and experiences over a range of issues & challenges. Besides, members of the three regions, Africa/Europe, America, Asia/Oceania, meet regularly at Regional meetings to discuss common issues in a regional context.

The 12th IAPH Asia/Oceania, Regional Meeting & Port Forum will be hosted by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority on the 8th & 9th March 2012, at Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall- BIMCH, Colombo, Sri Lanka. This is the biggest regional port event scheduled in Sri Lanka, expecting over 250 foreign participants including ports and related organizations of IAPH.