Sri Lanka Branch

As an island nation, Sri Lanka has been heavily dependent on shipping industry for the promotion of trade with overseas trading partners, and for the development of the national economy. Up until the early nineteen eighties however, shipping professionals were rarely found. It was around this time the management of the Ceylon Shipping Corporation (CSC) formulated a policy decision which made it mandatory for its staff (clerical and middle management level) to qualify the examinations conducted by the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers (ICS) to be eligible for promotion in the hierarchy of the organisation. In order to facilitate this process and also assist the aspirants who desired to qualify; the management of CSC provided a well equipped library including study material required for these examinations.

In 1987, seven members of the ICS decided to pioneer the formation of the Sri Lanka Branch (ICS-SL).With relatively insignificant beginnings the pioneer members of the Branch unselfishly resolved to take the message to the local maritime industry with emphasis on the advantages that accrued through 'Professional Shipping Education'. The pioneer membership was well aware of the struggle lying ahead, but a strong bond between them and their firm resolve helped them to steadfastly and successfully wither the storms that the Branch had to endure on the way. Regardless, the ICS-SL progressed undaunted on its course, drawing up programs which included conducting lecture sessions to assist the aspirants to appear for the London examinations, arranging international seminars for the middle/senior level Executives in the local industry etc. Progressively, interest grew especially among the younger generation and the Membership, which was originally confined to the staff of CSC, began to spread among the other organisations connected to the shipping industry. Strength of the Membership grew gradually and slowly but surely recognition of the Branch and its activities in the local industry also grew.

With the advent of technological innovations, the international maritime was advancing rapidly and the global trend created the need for more professionals. As a result of the demand, intense interest was generated in the local industry to follow the programs of ICS, which was indeed a positive development for the Branch.

With time the Branch expanded and rose in its status with many significant achievements as it progressed. Today the Sri Lanka Branch stands tall in the local shipping arena as a body recognized and respected by all those who matter. So much so we have been able to field a very high number of candidates for the ICS - UK Examinations as one single centre and also improve on our performance consistently.

At the present rate of progress, there is no doubt that the Branch will reach many more milestones in the future.

Branch Composition

The ICS Sri Lanka Branch comprises Fellows & Members based in Sri Lanka & overseas, all of them actively involved in various aspects of shipping providing yeoman service at Senior/Middle Management levels in a number of leading organisations in the maritime industry locally and overseas.