Sri Lanka told to develop strategy for nautical tourism amid massive potential

The EDB Boat and Shipbuilding Advisory Committee recently emphasised the importance of developing a strategy for the nautical tourism industry in Sri Lanka, as the country has a massive potential for nautical tourism, considering the high marine diversity as well as the strategic location of the country, during the seventh meeting of the advisory committee, which was held on May 26. 

“Foreign yachts could come to the Sri Lankan waters and anchor and spend few days in the country, as we have attractive onshore activities such as whale/dolphin watching, scuba diving, leisure fishing, snorkelling, windsurfing, kite surfing together with many more activities around the country throughout the year. Therefore, the development of the nautical tourism would provide the opportunities to showcase the capabilities of local boatbuilders and would allow the country to earn foreign exchange earnings, which is the need of the hour,” the advisory committee members pointed out.

The other major points discussed at the meeting were the development of marina infrastructure, reforming the National Export Strategy (NES), organising the upcoming Sri Lanka Boat show in October 2023, implementation of the activities recommended under the EDB action plan, etc. Organising the Sri Lanka Boat Show, which commenced in 2008 and held once every two years, is one of the main activities that is undertaken to promote the industry. It provides a forum for the industry to display and promote its products to potential clients whilst creating investment opportunities in boat and shipbuilding, training, marine infrastructure and marine tourism.

Furthermore, the committee also emphasised the significance of developing infrastructure facilities for the boatbuilding industry, which is one of the prerequisites for the development and promotion of the sector and reviewed the progress of the ongoing projects of establishing the breakwater in Kapparathota and establishing launching pads in Beruwela, Negombo and Welipatanwila. The progress of the implementation of regulatory framework developed by the EDB in association with the relevant stakeholders as well as the necessary initiatives to speed up the implementation process were also discussed by the committee.

Speaking at the occasion, EDB Chairman Dr. Kingsley Bernard stated that the private and public sector involvement in advisory committees is expected to provide an environment to formulate mutually acceptable proposals, thereby enabling their efficient implementation. In this context, he added that the members of the advisory committee on boat and shipbuilding are providing continuous support on evolving strategies to develop the sector. He also expressed his gratitude to the members of the advisory committee for their contribution in developing strategies for the boat and shipbuilding sector. Advisory Committee Chairman Gamini B. Herath appreciated the EDB’s cooperation in carrying out initiatives such as the NES, Biennial Boat Show, international promotional activities, etc. during 
the meeting.