The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Sri Lanka Didier Vanderhasselt expressed consent to provide modern European technology required to develop Sri Lanka's ports, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Aviation noted in a statement.  

This was followed by a formal appeal in which the Minister requested Belgium's support in the development of the Ports of Trincomalee and Galle, while also extending lucrative opportunities for Belgian investors to actively participate in these undertakings.

This was expressed during a special discussion held between Ambassador D. Vanderhasselt and Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Nimal Siripala de Silva last morning (5) at the Ministry. 

Belgium plays a key role as a member economy in the International Maritime Organisation. Within Europe, the Antwerp Port of Belgium holds a significant position, ranking second only to the Rotterdam port in Europe. The Ambassador emphasised that the port's annual throughput operations surpass 13.5 million TEUs.

The Ambassador also expressed consent to provide assistance to utilise European technology used by Belgium's Antwerp Port for the operations at the Port of Colombo.  

The discussions also included possibilities to train local youth at the Belgium yacht boat yard in southern Sri Lanka aiming employment and also to establish a yacht marina at the Port of Galle. 

Expressing further views the Minister said that discussions were taking place  for planning to strengthen maritime development activities between Sri Lanka and Belgium and expressed gratitude to  the Belgium Ambassador for all support and assistance extended to make such efforts a success. 

The Consul of Belgium in Sri Lanka Koenraad Pringiers and the Private Secretary to the Minister of Ports, Shipping and Aviation Akila Gayan Kaushalya also attended the discussions.