CASA celebrates Diamond Jubilee with landmark 60th Annual General Meeting

Newly elected  CASA ExCo

• Asha Shipping/Pership Group Executive Vice President Janesh Ratnadasa elected as Chairman of CASA for the 2026/2027 term
• Stresses industry must move ‘from discussion to implementation’, highlighting the importance of transformative initiatives such as National Single Window, Maritime Single Window and Port Community System
• Announces landmark tripartite partnership with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers Sri Lanka Branch and Colombo West International Terminal to launch fully funded annual scholarships scheme
• Launches 23rd edition of Bridge, CASA’s flagship annual publication

The Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA) marked a historic milestone with the successful conclusion of its 60th Annual General Meeting (AGM), held on 24 July 2026 at the Grand Marquee, Taj Samudra Colombo.

Celebrating its Diamond Jubilee, the AGM brought together distinguished guests, industry leaders and stakeholders from across Sri Lanka’s maritime, shipping and logistics sectors to commemorate six decades of service, advocacy and excellence.

The event was graced by Ports and Civil Aviation and Energy Minister Anura Karunathilaka, MP, and Sri Lanka Ports Authority Chairman Dr. Parakrama Dissanayake who is also Advisor to President on Maritime, Ports and Logistics, together with senior representatives from Government institutions, port authorities and the private sector. Their presence reaffirmed the strong partnership between the public and private sectors in advancing Sri Lanka’s ambition of becoming a premier maritime and logistics hub in the Indian Ocean.

The AGM marked the conclusion of the highly successful three-year tenure of outgoing Chairman Shano Sabar. Under his leadership, CASA strengthened its position as the unified voice of Sri Lanka’s shipping agency community, championing industry collaboration and maintaining constructive engagement with Government agencies, regulators and stakeholders during a period of significant global shipping transformation. Members expressed their sincere appreciation for his dedication, commitment and exemplary service.

The membership unanimously welcomed Janesh Ratnadasa, Executive Vice President of the Asha Shipping/Pership Group, as Chairman of CASA for the 2026/2027 term. With over 33 years of distinguished experience in Sri Lanka’s shipping and maritime industry, Ratnadasa has built an outstanding career within the Asha Shipping/Pership Group, holding several senior leadership positions. His commitment to CASA extends beyond his corporate responsibilities, having served since 2016 as an Executive Committee Member, Treasurer and Vice Chairman. His extensive industry expertise, proven leadership and unwavering dedication to the Association make him exceptionally well qualified to lead CASA into its next chapter.

Joining him on the new leadership team are Vice Chairman Mushin Kitchilan, Director of Hemas Maritime Ltd., and Treasurer Ananda Senanayake, Managing Director of Lanka Shipping and Logistics Ltd.

In his inaugural address, Ratnadasa thanked the membership for the confidence placed in him and outlined a progressive vision for the future of Sri Lanka’s maritime sector.

He stressed that the industry must move ‘from discussion to implementation’, highlighting the importance of transformative initiatives such as the National Single Window, Maritime Single Window and Port Community System. He reaffirmed CASA’s commitment to working closely with the Government, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Sri Lanka Customs and all industry stakeholders to strengthen the competitiveness of the Port of Colombo while positioning Sri Lanka as a trusted, integrated and globally competitive maritime and logistics hub. He also underscored the importance of investing in people through education, professional development and youth engagement to develop the next generation of maritime leaders.

One of the highlights of the evening was the official launch of the 23rd edition of Bridge, CASA’s flagship annual publication. Released as part of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, the commemorative edition showcases thought leadership, industry insights and interviews with leading personalities who have helped shape Sri Lanka’s maritime and logistics sectors.

Further reinforcing its commitment to developing future maritime professionals, CASA announced a landmark tripartite partnership with the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) Sri Lanka Branch and Colombo West International Terminal (CWIT). Under this initiative, eight fully funded annual scholarships will be awarded to eligible CASA students to pursue the internationally recognised ICS UK Foundation Diploma.

The evening also recognised the inaugural scholarship recipients: Hiranya Fernando (Hapag-Lloyd Lanka), M. D. N. C. Rodrigo (MSC Lanka) and Ileesha Perera (Hapag-Lloyd Lanka). The presentation of scholarship certificates reflected CASA’s continued investment in education, professional excellence and the future leadership of Sri Lanka’s maritime industry.

As CASA embarks on its seventh decade, the Association remains steadfast in its mission to champion the interests of the shipping agency community, foster collaboration across the maritime ecosystem and support Sri Lanka’s vision of becoming the leading maritime and logistics hub in the Indian Ocean.