Sri Lanka’s Minister of Ports, Anura Karunathilaka, didn’t just attend India Maritime Week 2025—he turned it into a strategic mission. While the event buzzed with discussions on tech and sustainability, Karunathilaka was busy stitching together deals, sharing insights, and setting the stage for deeper India-Sri Lanka maritime ties. This wasn’t just another ministerial visit. It was a high-stakes, high-impact tour de force that could reshape port development and maritime training in the region.
Karunathilaka’s packed agenda included a bilateral meeting with India’s Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, and a Ministerial Plenary session where he exchanged views on sustainable port development and innovation in maritime logistics. But the real action happened in the corridors and meeting rooms, where he engaged with top executives from JM Baxi and Adani Ports. These aren’t just any companies—Adani Ports is India’s largest port operator, and JM Baxi is a logistics powerhouse. The discussions weren’t just about collaboration; they were about investment, partnership, and leveraging India’s maritime might to modernize Sri Lanka’s ports.
“This visit is about more than just sharing best practices,” Karunathilaka said. “It’s about building a future-ready maritime ecosystem that benefits both our countries and the entire Indian Ocean region.” That’s a bold statement, but it’s backed by action. By engaging directly with industry leaders, Karunathilaka is ensuring that Sri Lanka’s port modernization efforts are aligned with the latest technological advancements and operational efficiencies.
The visit also underscored the growing synergy between India and Sri Lanka in building a technologically advanced and regionally integrated maritime ecosystem. This isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about people. Karunathilaka’s discussions on port skilling and human capital development highlight a critical need: the maritime industry of the future will require a workforce that’s as advanced as the technology it operates.
The inauguration of “Sagarmanthan: The Great Oceans Dialogue” added another layer to the visit. This platform convened global leaders to discuss the future of ocean governance and technology-driven maritime growth. Karunathilaka’s participation signals Sri Lanka’s commitment to being part of these conversations—and not just as an observer, but as a contributor.
So, what does this mean for the future of maritime development in the region? It means that Sri Lanka is no longer just looking inward—it’s leveraging India’s expertise, investment, and innovation to fast-track its own maritime ambitions. It means that port modernization isn’t just about building new terminals; it’s about integrating cutting-edge technology, upskilling the workforce, and fostering regional cooperation.
And it means that the Indian Ocean is becoming a hotbed of maritime innovation, with India and Sri Lanka at the forefront. The visit may be over, but the ripple effects are just beginning. The question now is: which other countries will step up to the plate and join this maritime revolution?