YoungShip Christmas Fellowship 2024
YoungShip Sri Lanka successfully concluded their Christmas Fellowship 2024 to call the year to a close in an evening of fellowship, food, fun & carols at the BRC - Colombo on the 12th of December 2024.
With around 100 participants present, the evening was no doubt an eventful and memorable one. YoungShip Sri Lanka announced that proceeds of the Christmas event will be utilized for a project under their Caring Hands Programme supporting and providing underprivileged children with the necessary resources, training and awareness to build their future.
Another shout out to the band Cosmos who kept everyone swaying to their tunes into the night.
Here is wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We are looking forward to an eventful 2025!🎄✨🎅🏾
#youngshipsrilanka #youngshipinternational #YoungShipChristmas24 #maritimeindustry #empoweringtheemerginggeneration #networking #caringhands
A TRANSFORMATIVE JOURNEY AT THE INAUGURAL YOUNGSHIP GLOBAL LEADERSHIP SUMMIT 2024
A Transformative Journey at The Inaugural YoungShip Global Leadership Summit
The inaugural YoungShip Global Leadership Summit (YGLS) concluded in Sri Lanka on the 18th of November 2024, leaving an indelible mark on the maritime industry and its emerging professionals. A YoungShip International event held for the first time in Asia, the three-day Summit brought together emerging leaders, seasoned professionals, and global experts, highlighting youth's pivotal role in shaping the maritime world's future. With its core theme surrounding emerging leadership in the international maritime trade, the event underscored the importance of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in a rapidly evolving industry.
With its rich maritime history & location along key trade routes, Sri Lanka served as the ideal backdrop for the inaugural YGLS 2024. As such, the Summit showcased the country as a key maritime hub, blending its cultural vibrancy with its growing influence in the global maritime sector. From engaging discussions on industry trends to immersive local experiences, YGLS celebrated both professional and cultural exchange, solidifying Sri Lanka's position on the global maritime map.
Sports, Heritage, and Culture: Welcoming the World to YGLS 2024
The first day of the Summit kicked off with a golf tournament at the Royal Colombo Golf Club, providing participants an opportunity to bond over sports while fostering camaraderie with Sri Lanka’s Maritime Golf Community. This was followed by a Colombo city tour, which introduced international attendees to the city’s iconic landmarks and heritage, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s history, as well as modern development.
The day culminated in a spectacular opening ceremony at Nuga Gama, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, an authentic Sri Lankan village-style venue. Attendees were treated to traditional cuisine, music, and cultural performances, setting a warm and vibrant tone for the days ahead. The opening remarks by YGLS Chairperson and YoungShip Sri Lanka Chair - Ms. Maleena Awn, and Ms. Keshia Janssens - Chair of YoungShip International, emphasised the Summit’s mission to empower emerging maritime professionals to lead the industry into the future with resilience and innovation.
Exploring Trends, Building Networks: An Insightful and Inspiring Second Day
The 17th of November began with a breakfast hosted by WISTA Sri Lanka (Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association), spotlighting gender equality and the critical role of women in maritime leadership. This session underscored the importance of diversity and inclusivity in fostering a robust and innovative maritime industry.
Afterwards, attendees visited Port City Colombo - a landmark development redefining Sri Lanka's position as a global maritime and logistics hub. The site visit provided insights into how infrastructure and technology are shaping the future of maritime trade in the region.
The heart of the Summit was the conference, featuring distinguished speakers and thought-provoking panel discussions at the Kingsbury, Colombo. Topics included:
- Global Economic Trends in Shipping: Exploring the economic forces driving the industry.
- Innovation Driven by the Need for a Progressive Maritime Industry: Highlighting technological advancements and their impact on maritime operations.
- Human Resources in a Changing Maritime Landscape – Skills Needed by Future Generations: Addressing the evolving skillsets required to thrive in the industry.
These panels and keynotes encompassed discussions on sustainability, digital transformation, and strategic leadership; equipping participants with practical tools and insights, empowering them to tackle industry challenges and drive meaningful change. The conference was also complemented by a series of cultural dance performances between panel discussions, adding a unique touch of Sri Lankan entertainment to the event.
Celebrating 20 Years of YoungShip International
The conference was followed by the anniversary gala dinner of YoungShip International commemorating 20 years of empowering emerging professionals in the maritime industry. The evening was nothing short of spectacular; with a perfect blend of celebration, networking, and entertainment. Participants from across the globe came together to honour two decades of achievements, forge new connections, and create memories to last a lifetime.
Signing off with Collaborative Leadership and a Celebration of Success
The final day began at the Radisson Blue, Galle, with the YoungShip International board meeting, where leaders discussed strategies to further strengthen the global network and expand its impact.
This was followed by an inspiring leadership programme conducted by Vidusha Nathavitharana, a renowned leadership coach. Participants engaged in interactive discussions aimed at developing the skills and mindset required to lead with confidence, vision, and empathy.
The Summit concluded with a grand closing dinner hosted in collaboration with CASA (Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents). The dinner celebrated the success of the Summit and the vibrant maritime community it brought together. Attendees reflected on the insights gained, the connections made, and the inspiration to drive the global industry forward.
At its core, YGLS 2024 was a transformative platform for empowering young maritime professionals. It addressed the need for a forward-thinking, diverse, and inclusive leadership that can navigate the challenges of an ever-changing global maritime landscape. By equipping participants with knowledge, skills, and networks, the Summit set the stage for the emerging leaders to make a lasting impact on the industry. By addressing pressing issues like digital transformation, climate change, and workforce development, YGLS provided actionable insights that attendees could bring back to their organisations and communities.
As the first event of its kind in Asia, YGLS 2024 has set a high benchmark for future Summits. It leaves behind a legacy of empowered youth, strengthened global networks, and a shared vision for a sustainable, innovative maritime industry. Moreover, it not only highlighted Sri Lanka’s potential as a maritime hub driving progress, but also introduced the country as an emerging tourist destination to the visiting delegates.
The success of YGLS 2024 is a testament to the dedication of YoungShip International, YoungShip Sri Lanka, and the numerous partners and sponsors who made the event possible - Platinum Sponsor – Meridian Maritime Services Limited; Gold Sponsor – Hayleys Advantis; Silver Sponsors – McLarens Group of Companies, Pacific International Lines Pte Ltd, Prime Lands Residences PLC; Bronze Sponsors – Colombo International Container Terminal Limited (CICT), Evergreen Line, Inchcape Mackinnon Mackenzie Shipping (Private) Limited and MAC Holdings (Private) Limited; Support Associations – Ceylon Association of Shipping Agents (CASA), Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA Sri Lanka) and Sri Lanka Association of NVOCC Agents (SLANA); Training and Development Partner – Ceyline Group; and Education Partner - Colombo International Nautical and Engineering College (CINEC) Sri Lanka; Tour Partner - Helanka Vacations, and all other valuable sponsors, along with the endorsement by the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, whose contributions have made this stellar event an enormous success.
As attendees return to their respective countries, they carry with them not only memories of Sri Lanka’s warmth and hospitality but also the tools and inspiration to lead the maritime industry into a brighter future.
YoungShip Quiz Night 2024
YoungShip Sri Lanka successfully concluded their Quiz night featuring Quiz Master Dominic Kellar at the Old Thomians Swimming Club on the 2nd of October 2024.
With over 60 participants present the evening was no doubt an eventful and memorable one. We congratulate the 3 winning teams and all the other teams that took part who challenged each other through all the rounds. A big thank you to Dominic Kellar for keeping spirits high and for being an amazing host. Another shout out to the De Silva Brothers SL who kept everyone swaying to their tunes into the night.
We hope everyone enjoyed the quiz and the entertainment and are looking forward to having you at our next event.
#youngshipsrilanka #youngshipinternational #quiznight #maritimeindustry #emerginggeneration #networking
FIELD VISIT TO COLOMBO DOCKYARD 2024
YoungShip Sri Lanka was happy to have successfully concluded a field visit with the 1st batch of YoungShip Sri Lanka members to the Colombo Dockyard facility on the 3rd of July! It was a dynamic and active environment to kick start Wednesday morning with an insightful overview presented by the Staff of CDL.
We would like to extend our sincere thanks to Colombo Dockyard PLC for their hospitality and efforts towards youth development and empowerment! It was an engaging and insightful experience.
#YoungShipSriLanka #YoungShipInternational #ColomboDockyard
YoungShip Patrons Forum 2024
YoungShip Sri Lanka hosted their Patrons Forum Sail 2024 on the 28th of June. The event brought together patrons and past committee members in the industry over the last 11 years to join the current committee in an evening of fellowship, knowledge sharing and camaraderie.
#youngshipfamily #youngshipsrilanka #youngshipinternational #patronsforum
YOUNGSHIP AVURUDU 2024
YoungShip Sri Lanka successfully concluded their Avurudu Celebration & Games on the 27th of April 2024 at the Orient Club, Colombo.
Thanks to our sponsors who came forward to make the event a resounding success! We hope our members enjoyed the networking and made many new friendships during the activities.
#YoungShipSriLanka #youngshipinternational #sinhalaandtamilnewyear #YoungShipAvuruduCelebration2024 #networking #membersevent #srilankantraditions
YOUNGSHIP SRI LANKA IFTAR & DINNER 2024
Run For Her – Inspiring Inclusion to Raise Awareness on Menstrual Hygiene and Period Poverty
In a tremendous display of youth activism, YoungShip Sri Lanka organized ‘YoungShip-WISTA Run For Her 2024’; an event in line with International Women’s Day, shining light on the pressing issues of inadequate menstrual hygiene and period poverty in Sri Lanka. The event took place on 03rd of March 2024 at Independence Square, bringing together over 250 participants who took part in the charity run as a call to address the fundamental rights of girls and women in rural parts of the country. The event comprised a 5km Run for Men and Women, a two-person 5km relay, and a kid’s run.
Period poverty, the inability to access sanitary products, and proper menstrual hygiene management due to financial constraints, is a pressing concern faced by millions of women worldwide. As a result of Sri Lanka’s socio-economic inequalities, many women and girls in the country still grapple with the stigma, shame, and practical challenges associated with menstruation and obtaining the right hygienic products.
‘Run For Her’ 2024 brought together several organisations that showcased their shared concern for this cause and fostered a sense of unity and purpose across several industries. The Women’s International Shipping and Trading Association (WISTA) Sri Lanka joined hands with YoungShip Sri Lanka as the Title Sponsor for the event.
Silver sponsors included Fairway Colombo and Meridian Maritime Services, while Advantis and Cargills Food City showcased their support as the event’s bronze sponsors.
Other partners for the event included;
- Product Sponsor – Femography by MAS
- Medical Partner – Melsta Hospitals
- Fitness Partner – TASS
- Hydration Partner - Redbull
- Radio Partner – Fox Radio
- Outdoor Media Partner – Emerging Media
- Waste Management Partner – Encare
- Online Shopping Partner – Daraz.lk
- Venue Partner - CR&FC
- Food Partners – Susiko, Maggi
- Gift Sponsors – 4Planet, VOSKOM, Thyaga, Serenity, PowerCrunch, AdamExpo
- Partner Associations – Old Thomians Swimming Club, Women in Management
- Other partners – Aquafine, pulse.lk
- Event Designer – G360
As participants crossed the finish line and reflected on the significance of their collective efforts, 'YoungShip-Wista Run For Her' left a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of all involved. It served as a testament to the power of youth leadership in driving positive change in the country and empowering the future.
As a thank you for their endeavor, all participants received tokens of appreciation from the event’s gift sponsors; in addition to a finisher’s medal and certificate. The first 10 male and female runners, winners of the relays, and all participants of the kids events were commemorated, along with unique prizes for the event’s last finisher, oldest participant, 100th registrant, and many more. As a special gesture to all women participants, Femography by MAS donated samples of their latest menstruation product to hallmark the event.
In further commemoration of Women’s Day, YoungShip Sri Lanka also set up a Donation Booth for the collection of funds and sanitary products. Proceeds from the event will be used to organise workshops covering all aspects of menstrual education and carry out projects in distributing sanitary products to rural communitues in the country throughout the year ahead.
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YoungShip Sri Lanka Christmas Party 2023
YoungShip Sri Lanka successfully concluded their Christmas Party 2023 to call the year to a close in an evening of fellowship, food, fun, carols and act of giving at the Nondescripts Cricket club, Colombo on the 14th of December 2023.
With over 110 participants present the evening was no doubt an eventful and memorable one. YoungShip Sri Lanka also launched their Caring Hands Programme during this event that aims to support and provide underprivileged children with the necessary resources, training and awareness to build their future. Another shout out to Mayura & the band who kept everyone swaying to their tunes into the night.
Quiz Night Featuring Quiz Master Dominic Kellar
YoungShip Sri Lanka successfully conducted their Quiz night featuring Quiz Master Dominic Kellar at the Chatham Bar & Grill on the 29th of August 2023. With over 150 participants present the evening was no doubt an eventful and memorable one. We congratulate the 3 winning teams and all 25 teams that took part who challenged each other through all the rounds. Everyone enjoyed the much-awaited quiz, the raffle and the entertainment. A big thank you to Dominic Kellar for keeping spirits high and for being an amazing host. Another shout out to the De Silva Brothers who kept everyone swaying to their tunes into the night.
