| dc.description.abstract | Sri Lanka has been a clear & conscious maritime trading hub ever since commencement of trade by sea. The Arabs & South Indian traders called on Sri Lankan ports on their quest towards east whilst the Chinese & Malays reciprocated on their journeys westwards. The mostly peaceful trade was interrupted on several occasions by missions of hostile nature but until the entry of western colonials, the intentions were not conquering nature. As trade and relations grew, the reputation also grew drawing attention of colonial masters, who arrived with intention of exploiting the resources and opportunities to the hilt. And along with we lost the vision and mission, until a Head of State came in to being with an intention of reviving the lost fame & glory. The paper will examine the key enablers; ten such are elaborated, to be a maritime hub in fulfilling the aspiration of a vision statement called Mahinda Chinthanaya. As a maritime hub, what would be our strengths, weaknesses, Opportunities and the Threats, and how & where it link to Geo-Politics & Geo-Economics, are the discussion points of the paper. Sri Lanka already is a hub, which no one can ignore of and would it be a positive tool for economic development or negative tool for international relations remains to be seen through own application. The Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOC) is a critical component and their safety is directly dependent on the world economy. It says where land divide, sea unites; in this context Sri Lankas success balances on more and more engagements, collaborations and partnerships. Having a visionary statement assist in mission planning; hence seeking what avenues offer the opportunities for exploitation and their cross-functionality need deep study and understanding as in maritime affairs, nothing remains isolated. With six of worlds top ten container ports towards our east and world second biggest consumer market right next door, with import-dependent economies to our west, Sri Lankas stake could not be coming better than this to actively engage to yield results from surging economic waters. | |
