India and Sri Lanka s ports should be complementary rather than competitive- Senasinghe

Sujeewa Senasinghe, a Member of Parliament from Sri Lanka, spoke at the NXT Conclave 2026 in New Delhi about the importance of the Indian Ocean for future sea trade and transshipment between India and Sri Lanka. He discussed how maritime trade has changed over time, mentioning early trade centers like Petra, Alexandria, and Constantinople, which helped shape global commerce. He noted that trade in this area is not new, as it began nearly 3,000 years ago in South India with the export of cinnamon and pepper along the ancient incense route. In his address, Senasinghe highlighted the Indian Ocean's significance, stating it covers 44 percent of the world's surface, houses 65 percent of the global population, and transports 70 percent of the world's shipborne energy. He pointed out that while India is growing at a rate of 7.2 percent, Sri Lanka may be behind but has great potential together with India. He emphasized that the population should not be seen as a drawback, but rather as a valuable asset. Senasinghe asserted that the ports of India and Sri Lanka should work together instead of competing. He mentioned that Sri Lankan ports like Hambantota, Colombo, and Kankesanthurai improve regional connectivity. He explained that a hub-and-spoke model allows Indian cargo ships to operate efficiently without harming Sri Lanka's growth. He also shared that Sri Lanka ranks 18th in South Asia for connectivity and could move into the top 10 with better infrastructure. Furthermore, he discussed the energy potential in the region, noting that Sri Lanka can produce 60 gigawatts of wind energy. He suggested that if 20 gigawatts were sent to India, it could help meet the country's increasing electricity needs at lower costs. This partnership could also reduce India’s dependence on unstable global oil markets. Senasinghe pointed out the strategic role Sri Lanka plays as a maritime buffer. He stated that by collaborating, India and Sri Lanka can secure the southern gateway, improve trade efficiency, and promote regional growth. With expectations that container volumes in Sri Lanka will nearly double by 2040, along with energy collaboration providing cost-effective options, Senasinghe shared a vision for a united Indian Ocean trade network. He concluded by saying that by combining their ports, populations, and renewable energy resources, India and Sri Lanka can usher in a new era of regional prosperity.