Cabinet has approved a national regulatory framework for tourism industry-linked passenger and freight vessels operating in Sri Lankan waters. The move is one that had already been in the works under the former Government, with the Export Development Board (EDB) having begun a project to formulate a national regulatory framework for the endeavour. 

This was done by the EDB in collaboration with the former Development Strategies and International Trade Ministry, Ministry of Defence and with the assistance of Lloyd Register Asia Institute. According to a statement on Cabinet decisions released by the Government Information Department, four regulations were drafted after discussions were held with all relevant parties.   

“The need for a national regulatory framework for the vessels that engage in commercial activities in the territorial waters of Sri Lanka due to the increase of transportation of passengers and freight by ships in line with the growth of the activities related to the tourism industry was highlighted earlier. These regulations were drawn up in that regard,” said the statement.

According to the provisions in the No. 52 Merchant Shipping Act of 1971, the power to declare the provisions as law has been vested with the Minister-in-charge. 

Accordingly, a proposal was made by the Ports and Shipping Minister Johnston Fernando to obtain the consent of the legal draftsman for the drafted regulations and to gazette and present to Parliament the same was approved.

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