The Rise and Fall of a National Fleet: Why Sri Lanka Sold Its Ships
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the Ceylon Shipping Corporation (CSC) was a symbol of national pride and economic independence. At its peak, the corporation operated a diverse fleet of 17 vessels, including eight conventional liners, eight container ships, and one oil tanker. Today, after decades of decline and the total disposal of that original fleet, the corporation operates just two modern bulk carriers. What led to the dismantling of a fleet that once commanded the sea lanes from Europe to Australia? The answer lies in a combination of "Beyond Economical Repair" (BER) status, radical shifts in global trade, and the unintended consequences of economic liberalization. 1. The "Golden Era" and the Fleet of 17 Following its inception in 1971, the CSC rapidly expanded. Supported by partners in Germany and China, the fleet included iconic names like the Mv. Lanka Rani and Mv. Lanka Devi . By 1980, the CSC became the first South Asian carrier to launch cont...