5  Proclamation of INAP 

WHEREAS on the invitation of Hon. Daijiro Hashimoto, Governor Kochi Prefercture Government, Japan, a delegation led by Hon. M. H. M. Ashraff, PC,MP.the then Minister of Ports Development,Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of the Government of Sri Lanka attended the commissioning of the Port of Kochi, in the Prefecture of Kochi. Japan on 26th April, 1998;
AND WHEREAS upon the opening of the said Port of Kochi, a Sister-Port Agreement was signed between the Port of Colombo and the Port of Kochi;

AND WHEREAS on the same date the Port of Kochi signed Sister-Port Agreements with the Port of Tanjung Perak-Indonesia,the Port of Subic Bay-Philippines and the Port of Qingdao- People's Republic of China;

AND WHEREAS upon the signing of the above Agreements the proposal made by Hon. M. H. M. Ashraff that the sister-ports, should meet on a regular basis to discuss and deliberate on matters of mutual interest and the concept of Hon. Daijiro Hashimoto that "The new role the Ports could play in bringing peoples together with the objective of establishing global peace and interaction" was accepted and it was resolved that the first such International Symposium should be held in Colombo, Sri Lanka and organised by the Sri Lanka Ports Authority;

AND WHEREAS under the auspices of Sri Lanka Ports Authority an International Symposium of affiliated ports on the theme of "Global Peace Through Sister-Ports" was held on 17th, 18th and 19th of November, 1998;

AND WHEREAS at the ceremonial inauguration Hon. M. H. M. Ashraff participated as the Chief Guest and Hon. Daijiro Hashimoto participated as the Guest of Honour and the said symposium was preceded by the signing of Sister-Port Agreements between the Port of Colombo and the Ports of Tanjung Perak-Indonesia and Subic Bay-Philippines;

AND WHEREAS today the 19th November, 1998 the participating sister-ports namely the Ports of Tanjung Perak-Indonesia, Subic Bay-Philippines, New Orleans-United States of America, Kochi-Japan and the Port of Colombo- Sri Lanka resolved unanimously to set up an establishment under the name and style of "International Network of Affiliate Ports" (INAP) for the development of mutual beneficial relationships and co-ordination among the said sister-ports;

AND WHEREAS at the conclusion of the symposium the "International Network of Affiliate Ports" resolved unanimously to issue the following proclamation;

International Network of Affiliated Ports shall endeavour to make the Affiliated Ports Network mutually beneficial by consultation, co-orporation and exchange of information on expertise, know-how, and marketing, planning, technology, technical skills, and overall developments of "Ports" and any other matters of mutual interest to the "Ports" including economic and cultural benefits.

International Network of Affiliated Ports shall endeavour to establish a mutually beneficial Regional Federation by conducting and promoting the above described activities of the "Ports" based on mutual benefits and efficient circulation and distribution of resources and services.

International Network of Affiliated Ports shall make all endeavours to enhance human intellectual, spiritual development and cultural growth.

International Network of Affiliated Ports shall also endeavour to revitalise the common moral and religious values.

International Network of Affiliated Ports shall play a special role in creating environmental awareness so as to minimise the ecological impact the modern civilization has caused on the environment and thereby ensure the planet earth becoming a truly peaceful and harmonious place to live in without fear and anxiety.

Abdullah Umar/Branch Manager　Port of Tanjung Perak,Surabaya　INDONESIA

Tatsuyuki Shishido/Director General Port, Harbour & Airport　Port of Kochi JAPAN Capt.

Victor L. Mamon/Actg. Deputy Administrator　Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Subic Bay　PHILIPPINES

Admiral Mohan Samarasekera/Chairman　Sri Lanka Ports Authority,Colombo　SRI LANKA

Dr. Jay Jayawardena/Associate Professor and Economist,National Ports and Waterways Institute,Lousiana State University,UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

HON. M. H. M. ASHRAFF PC., MP.　MINISTER OF PORT DEVELOPMENT,REHABILITATION AND RECONSTRUCTION,SRI LANKA

HON. DAIJIRO HASHIMOTO/GOVERNOR KOCHI PREFECTURE GOVERNMENT,JAPAN

November 19,1998