Exclusive Interview with ASI
In a recent exclusive interview with ASI, Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva shared his vision for positioning Sri Lanka as the leading hub of maritime activities in the South Asian region. Drawing from his extensive experience in public service and his personal commitment to sustainable development, Minister de Silva provided insights into various aspects of maritime development, shedding light on the proactive mechanisms employed by the Ministry to align with national policy, ensure community impact, enhance transparency, promote business-friendly regulations, bolster safety and security measures, explore collaboration opportunities, tackle challenges, prioritize environmental considerations, and engage stakeholders effectively.
Q: Can you describe your vision for leveraging Sri Lanka's maritime sector to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development?
A: My vision for Sri Lanka's maritime sector is deeply influenced by my personal experiences and extensive political career. Having served in various ministerial roles, including Minister of Health and Minister of Transport, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of strategic infrastructure projects. For example, during my tenure as Minister of Health, I spearheaded the development of rural healthcare facilities, significantly improving the quality of life in local communities. Drawing from these experiences, I am passionate about leveraging Sri Lanka's maritime potential to drive inclusive growth and sustainable development across the nation.
Q: How do you ensure that maritime initiatives align with broader national policy objectives and contribute to overall national development?
A: As a seasoned statesman with a track record of championing national development agendas, I emphasize the importance of aligning maritime initiatives with broader national policy objectives. My experience in shaping policy frameworks is evident from my time as Minister of Health, where I played a key role in developing comprehensive health policies that integrated entire health system. This holistic approach ensured an effective health system demonstrating my ability to align sectoral initiatives with overarching national priorities.
Q: How grassroots engagement and community empowerment inform the Ministry's efforts to incorporate local community perspectives into maritime planning processes?
A: My commitment to grassroots engagement and community empowerment is a cornerstone of my approach to governance. My belief in participatory governance and inclusive development is reflected in my efforts to incorporate community perspectives into policymaking. During my tenure as Minister of Housing, I worked closely with local communities to address their housing needs and aspirations, resulting in the successful implementation of numerous housing projects tailored to reflect the interests and priorities of the people they served. This experience underscores my dedication to ensuring that maritime policies and projects also incorporate community input.
Q: Can you discuss the legislative reforms and institutional strengthening initiatives you have championed to enhance transparency and accountability in Sri Lanka's maritime sector?
A: As a staunch advocate for good governance and accountability, I have been instrumental in spearheading reforms aimed at enhancing transparency and integrity in Sri Lanka's maritime sector. During my tenure as Minister of Justice, I championed legislative reforms to strengthen the legal framework for anti-corruption measures and institutional accountability. These initiatives laid the groundwork for my current efforts to enact robust legal frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, and the protection of public interest in port, shipping, and maritime activities.
Q: Drawing from your background in fostering an enabling business environment, how do you plan to balance efficiency and competitiveness with responsible and sustainable practices in the maritime sector?
A: My pragmatic approach to regulatory reform is informed by my experiences in balancing competing interests and priorities in the policy-making process. As Minister of Health, I fostered an enabling business environment by streamlining regulations and promoting efficiency within the health sector. This experience is now being applied to the maritime sector, where I emphasize the importance of promoting efficiency and competitiveness while upholding responsible and sustainable practices among service providers.
Q: How have your experiences managing infrastructure projects and geopolitical challenges shaped your approach to enhancing safety and security in maritime transport?
A: Having overseen critical infrastructure projects and navigated complex geopolitical challenges, I am acutely aware of the importance of safety and security in maritime transport. My experience managing crises and coordinating emergency responses is exemplified by my tenure as Minister of Health, where I played a key role in the national response to various health issues. This background informs my current efforts to enhance the safety and security of vessels, cargo, and personnel through rigorous regulatory enforcement and international cooperation.
Q: Can you elaborate on your approach to building partnerships between various stakeholders and how these collaborations can drive progressive policy and legal reforms in the maritime sector?
A: My pragmatic approach to partnership building is shaped by my experiences of forging alliances and brokering consensus in diverse stakeholder environments. As Minister of Health, I successfully collaborated with international organizations, private sector entities, and civil society groups to improve healthcare delivery in Sri Lanka. This collaborative approach is now being applied to the maritime sector, where I emphasize the importance of leveraging partnerships to reinforce participatory governance and drive progressive policy and legal reforms.
Q: What strategies have you found effective in overcoming the complexities and challenges of implementing ambitious maritime development agendas, and how do you plan to address current and future obstacles?
A: As a seasoned policymaker and administrator, I understand the complexities and challenges inherent in implementing ambitious development agendas. My ability to overcome obstacles and find innovative solutions is evident from my time as Minister of Health. Drawing from these experiences, I outline the Ministry's strategies for addressing challenges in the maritime sector, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, resilience, and stakeholder engagement.
Q: How do your experiences in advocating for sustainable development inform your efforts to integrate environmental impact assessments into maritime planning and ensure minimal ecological footprints?
A: My commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in my advocacy for sustainable development and conservation initiatives. As Minister of Health, I promoted the integration of environmental impact assessments into planning processes, ensuring that all projects were conducted in an environmentally responsible manner. This commitment to balancing economic imperatives with environmental concerns continues in my current role, where I aim to minimize the ecological footprint of port, shipping, and maritime activities.
Q: How does your participatory approach to governance, which emphasizes stakeholder participation, transparency, and accountability, guide the Ministry's decision-making processes in the maritime sector?
A: My participatory approach to governance is informed by my experiences of building consensus and fostering dialogue with diverse stakeholder groups. During my tenure as Minister of Housing, I engaged extensively with local communities, industry stakeholders, and civil society organizations to ensure that housing projects reflected the diverse interests and aspirations of all involved. This approach guides my current efforts in the maritime sector, where I prioritize stakeholder participation, transparency, and accountability in decision-making processes.
Minister Nimal Siripala Silva was born in 1944 in Badulla, Sri Lanka,. He rose from humble beginnings to become a prominent political figure. His outstanding academic achievements led to a successful law career, specializing in constitutional affairs, human rights, and civil law. Entering politics in 1983, de Silva served in several key ministerial roles, including Minister of Housing, Health, Transport, and Aviation. His tenure as Minister of Healthcare (2004–2010) saw significant improvements in Sri Lanka’s healthcare system. Additionally, he was instrumental in advancing the country’s aviation and maritime sectors. Internationally, he chaired the WHO Executive Board and presided over the World Health Assembly. Despite challenges, de Silva remains dedicated to modernizing Sri Lanka’s transportation and civil aviation industries, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s development.