COLOMBO: Sri Lanka will revive its defunct state-run shipping company by introducing two new cargo vessels bought from China, the government said.

The Ceylon Shipping Corporation will buy two 64,000-ton bulk carriers that will also be used to train Sri Lankan crew, Information Minister Keheliya Rambukwella said.

He said the two vessels will cost a total of $70 million and will help revive the local shipping company, which does not own or operate any vessels at the moment.

“We will use these two ships to revive the shipping corporation as well as increase the training of our seamen, who are in great demand overseas,” the minister said.