A new corporate body, Shipping and Aviation Information and Research (Pvt) Ltd., was set up to engage in marine and aviation services research to provide the best shipping and aviation services for South Asia, said Minister of Ports and Aviation and Irrigation and Water Management, Chamal Rajapaksa at the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday.

He said Sri Lanka has to exploit the sea and the skies for economic development. Shipping and Aviation Information and Research (Pvt) Ltd., was a long-felt need in the country and the organization to perform the research in these fields.

Therefore, this event marks the beginning of the efforts made in achieving the high standard in these services, which is essential for the country's progress and its economic growth, he said.

People with capabilities and expertise in the shipping and aviation fields could also share their ideas in the research and development that will be undertaken in collaboration with Sri Lankan universities, he said.

Minister of Ports Development and Justice, Dilan Perera said the ministry would select youth from rural areas for training in shipping and aviation technology and other professions in collaboration with the Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship scheme.

He said this would help these youth to find lucrative employment abroad where they will also learn the latest technology in these sectors for their benefit as well as for our country.

It is necessary to learn and adopt the state-of-the-art technology available in advanced countries and become competitive in the shipping and aviation sectors.

"Research and development is important for the growth of these sectors and the Government's program/building the Hambantota port and Weeravila airport is progressing according to schedule", he said.

Ministry of Ports and Aviation, Secretary, Ranjith de Silva said that it was essential to train school-leavers in skills, which are in demand in the national and international job market. Since research and statistics in the shipping and aviation sectors were not available so far, this organization will fulfil that need.

Shipping and Aviation Information and Research (Pvt) Ltd., Chairman, Nihal Hewage said a website containing the information and research would be launched in the near future and the information will also be published monthly and annually.
(DN08092009)