1 day Ago By Sahan Weerasooriya
By Sanath Nanayakkare A new welfare centre named “The Palace,” established by the International Transport Employees’ Federation (ITF) in collaboration with Sri Lanka’s National Union of Seafarers (NUSS), was recently inaugurated in Colombo. The facility aims to address the physical, mental, and legal needs of seafarers, with a focus on both local and international maritime workers transiting through Colombo’s port and airport. NUSS President Boa Athu stated that the centre anticipates serving 800–1,000 seafarers in its first year, with plans to expand services as demand grows.
While priority access is given to NUSS members and ITF-affiliated seafarers, the facility will also welcome foreign crew. Athu emphasized that non-members are encouraged to join NUSS for full benefits, calling it a “win-win” for affordability and accessibility. The centre is funded entirely by NUSS and the ITF Seafarers Trust, with no direct government or private-sector partnerships.
Athu expressed confidence in long-term sustainability, citing plans to enhance service quality and membership growth as key strategies to navigate economic challenges. “The Palace” will provide family-friendly accommodations, mental health workshops, a gym, recreational spaces, and medical services. A dedicated ITF inspectorate, led by veteran official Ranjan Perera, will handle crisis support such as abandonment cases, wage theft recovery, and emergency repatriation.
Perera’s team has already repatriated a seriously injured seafarer and reclaimed over $3 million in stolen wages. Colombo was selected due to its status as a major transit hub for seafarers in South Asia. While the centre addresses gaps in regional welfare infrastructure, Athu revealed plans to launch similar facilities outside Colombo in the future.
English will serve as the primary language, though staff training and peer support among seafarers aim to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps. The centre also offers a mental health hotline (1331) and a mobile app, which will be upgraded to integrate “The Palace’s” services. Key performance indicators include annual occupancy rates, the number of members served, and reductions in issues like abandonment.
ITF and NUSS will jointly monitor outcomes to ensure effectiveness. The centre pledges support for seafarers caught in conflicts or disasters, such as those navigating the Red Sea crisis. “Our doors will always be open in emergencies,” Athu affirmed.
The initiative aligns with ITF and NUSS goals to elevate seafarer welfare standards globally and support Sri Lanka’s ambition to add 50,000 new seafarers to its workforce. “We’re all singing from the same songbook,” said Athu, calling the project a “challenging but exciting” step forward for the industry. The launch underscores Colombo’s growing role in maritime welfare, combining local expertise with international partnerships to safeguard seafarers in an increasingly complex global trade landscape.
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