Sri Lanka's shipping community is trying to raise more awareness of trade and logistics among the work force and students to try to overcome a critical shortage of skilled people, Lanka Business Online reported.

"We hope people will get more expertise in these subjects," said Gehan Kuruppu, vice chairman of the Sri Lanka Shippers' Council.

"We are just coming out of an economic crisis and we need more experts to steer exports and trade," he added.

"In trade we tend to work in isolation but as a whole, international trade and logistics, are one big part of the economy. We lack skilled people. Sustainable development will only come through proper education to help us develop as a trading hub like Dubai or Singapore," said Rohan Masakorala, secretary general of the Asian Shippers' Council.

Organisers said they also hope to encourage schools leavers and university students to look at logistics as alternative areas of employment as the country tries to become a maritime and aviation hub with new ports and airports being built.

Source: Cargo News Asia