July 2026

The month of July has indeed been a busy time for the Mts team in Colombo. Besides engaging in Ship Visits and offering hospitality at the Mts Centre in Colombo, July has also seen the Annual National Sea Sunday Service and the Mts Middle East and South Asia (MESA) regional conference take place between the 20th and 24th July 2026 in Colombo.

Ship Visting

The Mts Ship Welfare Visitor team continued to engage in their primary task, with 136 Ship visits completed in the month. This point of contact serves as the bridge for the birth of friendships, visits to the Mts Centre and opportunities to share and listen. Therefore, much effort is taken to reassure Seafarers of our presence and availability for them whenever they call over at the Port of Colombo.

Ship Visits are often done while Seafarers are engaged in their work. As a team, we need to skillfully manage the time taken in those meetings so our visit doesn’t pose a challenge to Seafarers or their on-board duties. The Ship Welfare visitor team is required to observe as well as engage. As loneliness, fear, anxiety and uncertainty are the changes that most Seafarers grapple with, we share details of the facilities available to them at the Mts Centre and encourage them to make time for themselves and visit the Mts Centre for a change in setting.

These moments of interaction also create lasting friendships that often will mean that Seafarers make contact with the Mts ship visitor team in advance of return visits and reach out for assistance they would like to receive.

During this month, the Mts Ship Welfare Visitor team surpassed 1000 Ship visits for the year 2026 .

Home Away from Home

Seafarers continue to call over at the Mts Centre in large numbers. Despite not having the services of the Free transport shuttle for three full days, 289 Seafarers were provided with its service, and 292 Seafarers visited the Centre in the month.

Among them were many first timers, those returning after a lapse of time, and some even making repeat visits (*) while the vessel is berthed at the Port.

Crew from the following vessels have called over at the Centre during the month.

1. Msc Anchorage
2. Msc Simona
3. Msc Channe
4. Msc Chaewon *
5. DP world Jabel Ali **
6. Celestia *
7. Msc Petra *
8. CSCL Mars
9. Msc Charleston *
10. True Prestige **
11. Maersk Horsburgh
12. DP World Jeddah
13. Msc Sofia Celeste *
14. Msc Somin
15. CNC Tiger **
16. CMA CGM Cendrillion
17. OOCL Singapore
18. Cang Hai
19. Yasa Sun
20. APL Boston
21. Maersk Savannah *
22. Msc Makoto II **
23. OOCL Luxemburg
24. Msc Virginia
25. Msc Patnaree III
26. Msc Virginia
27. Albert P *
28. Dortmund Express
29. Spirit of Bertram
30. Maersk Seoul
31. Msc Jasmine X *
32. Hyundai Busan
33. RDO Glory
34. Msc Ikaria VI
35. Linah
36. CMA CGM Cleveland
37. Maersk Salalah
38. Msc Mokoto II 

The manner in which Seafarers use this special space of theirs at the Mts Centre also typifies the diversity of their personality and their state of being. While some may engage in fun, laughter, and music with fellow Seafarers, others may spend moments in solitude, either watching TV, catching up on communication with loved ones and friends, or playing a game of billiards, table tennis, or foosball.

Showing Unusual Kindness in Turbulent Times – National Sea Sunday 2026

The month of July was also significant, with the annual National Sea Sunday Service. It was a gathering that was attended by friends and partners of the Mission in Colombo.

The service, which took place at St. Peter’s Church, was presided over by the Port Chaplain, Ven Perry Brohier, and was attended by Rev. Jayanath Panditharathne and Rev. Sureshkumar. The Music Ministry, led by Ishan de Lanerolle and accompanied by Neranjan de Silva, led the singing, while the Sri Lanka Navy band was also in attendance.

The service, which took place at St. Peter’s Church, was presided over by the Port Chaplain, Ven Perry Brohier, and was attended by Rev. Jayanath Panditharathne and Rev. Sureshkumar. The Music Ministry, led by Ishan de Lanerolle and accompanied by Neranjan de Silva, led the singing, while the Sri Lanka Navy band was also in attendance.

In his sermon titled Showing Unusual Kindness in Turbulent Times, the Chaplain reminded the congregation that Sea Sunday 2026 reminds us that, even in a world marked by conflict, insecurity, and hardship at sea, God never forgets the seafarers who keep global supply lines moving.

Drawing on Micah, Acts, and Jesus’ teaching of the Golden Rule, he called for acts of “unusual kindness” by treating seafarers with compassion, dignity, and hospitality, just as the people of Malta welcomed Paul after his shipwreck.

The sermon challenged everyone to value people above profit, pray for and support maritime workers, advocate for their fair treatment, and ensure they are welcomed and cared for in our ports, while the Mission continues to remain a place of hope where the forgotten are remembered, and God’s love is made visible through acts of kindness and service.

Building Resilience Across Borders: Mission to Seafarers Leaders Gather in Colombo

The Mission to Seafarers Middle East and South Asia (MESA) Regional Conference 2026 brought together chaplains, staff, and ministry leaders from across the region in Colombo from 20–24 July under the theme “Resilience.” Hosted at the Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel, the conference provided a valuable opportunity to strengthen relationships, share experiences, and explore the challenges and opportunities facing maritime ministry in an increasingly complex world.

In his opening address, MESA Regional Director, the Rev. John Attenborough, encouraged delegates to reflect on the resilience needed to sustain ministry to seafarers, while greetings from international Mission partners, including the Secretary General of the Anglican Consultative Council, the Rt. Rev. Anthony Poggo, affirmed the global significance of their work. Presentations by maritime and Mission leaders, together with reports from Mission Centres across Bahrain, Cyprus, Dubai, Jordan, India, and Sri Lanka, highlighted innovative approaches to seafarers’ welfare, leadership, communications, and ministry development.

Beyond the conference sessions, delegates strengthened friendships through worship, fellowship, and shared cultural experiences, including an Evening of Celebration at the Mission to Seafarers Centre in Colombo, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality, and visits to local attractions. The conference concluded with a Eucharist at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour, where the Bishop of Colombo challenged participants with the question, “Who is my neighbour?”, encouraging them to continue serving seafarers with faith, compassion, and hope.

As delegates returned to their respective Mission Centres, they carried with them renewed vision, practical insights, and a deeper commitment to ensuring that seafarers across the Middle East and South Asia continue to experience the care, dignity, and Christian witness that lie at the heart of The Mission to Seafarers.

The Breakdown

Ship visits 136

Seafarers at the Centre 289

Pickup and drop off 292

Cumulative Data: October 2022 – July 2026

Conclusion

July has been a significant month for the Mission to Seafarers in Colombo, reflecting the breadth of our ministry through ship visits, hospitality at the Mts Centre, the National Sea Sunday Service, and the successful hosting of the MESA Regional Conference.

While the numbers demonstrate the scale of our work, they also represent lives touched through friendship, care, and Christian hospitality. As we look ahead, we remain committed to serving every seafarer who comes to the Port of Colombo with compassion, hope, and dignity, made possible through the continued support of our volunteers, partners, and supporters.