Neil Marine Sports and Leisure launches Hidea outboard motors in Sri Lanka

Neil Marine Sports and Leisure Ltd., a member of the Neil Marine Group of companies has launched Hidea Outboard Motors in Sri Lanka, bringing a range of 2.5HP to 200HP two- stroke and four-stroke petrol, kerosene and electric engines to the local market under an exclusive agency agreement. 

The product was launched at the Granbell Hotel, Colombo, on 26 October, and the new product range targets fishermen, leisure boaters, commercial operators and marine professionals, offering a selection of engines designed to provide reliable performance, fuel efficiency and affordable operation. 

Addressing the gathering, Neil Marine Group CEO Shan Perera said the partnership marked a new chapter for the company, which has been building boats in Sri Lanka for more than five decades. 

“Since 1969, Neil Fernando and Company Ltd. has been building boats in Sri Lanka. Over more than five decades, we have delivered over 40,000 vessels to customers around the world. Everything we have achieved is based on three qualities - craftsmanship, trust and the dedication of our people,” he said. 

He noted that the partnership would enable the company to offer a complete marine solution to the customers by combining its boat-building expertise with Hidea’s engine technology. “A boat is only as good as the engine that drives it. For years, we have built the hull. Now, with Hidea, we can offer the power as well as a complete marine solution under one trusted brand name,” Perera said. 

He emphasised that the company’s objective was to introduce economical and dependable engines to the fisheries and tourism sectors, which are the two lifelines of the Sri Lankan economy. 

Highlighting the challenges faced by fishermen, he said fuel costs and engine breakdowns directly affected their family incomes and livelihoods. 

“For them, the boat is a livelihood. Every litre of fuel and every day lost to a breakdown comes straight out of the family income. They need an engine that is reliable, fuel-efficient and affordable to run and maintain. That is what we want to give them,” he said. 

Perera also identified marine tourism as a growing market for the new engines, particularly for whale watching, island transfers, fishing charters and leisure boating. 

He said tourism operators needed dependable and cost-effective engines to expand their services while ensuring safe and enjoyable experiences for visitors. 

The introduction of electric outboards was another important aspect of the partnership. Available alongside the petrol range under Hidea’s Ultimate Mobility vision, the electric engines offer quieter and cleaner propulsion options for environmentally sensitive marine locations.

“Quiet, clean and efficient, they are ideal for our lagoons, rivers and sensitive coastal waters, and for operators who want to give guests a calmer, more sustainable experience,” Perera said. 

He added that the partnership would bring benefits beyond individual boat owners and operators. “When fishermen earn more and tourism operators grow, the benefit reaches whole communities. That is the real value of tonight’s launch,” he said. 

Perera thanked the Hidea team for its confidence in Neil Marine Sports & Leisure and Sri Lanka, reaffirming the company’s commitment to quality products, reliable service and long- term customer support. 

Hidea China Regional Director Michael Zhou also spoke at the product launch and said the company had confidence in the Group. He added that the Hidea product range would contribute to boosting productivity in the fisheries industry and other sectors of the economy. 

Neil Marine Group Chairman Kumarie Fernando, Group President Manel Fernando, Managing Director Sail Lanka Indra Kaushal Rajapaksa, former Navy Commander Admiral Priyantha Perera, Fisheries Corporation Chairman Kapila Bamunuarachchi, industry partners, boat owners and members of the marine sector participated in the event. 

Founded in 1969, the Neil Marine Group is involved in boatbuilding, the manufacture of Styrofoam boxes and mattresses, and the import of brands such as Juki and Pegasus sewing machines and spare parts, Exclusive agent agreement marine engines Suzuki and HD Hyundai, Winner Kayak brand, VETUS Boat accessories, Fliexiteek and resins.