Voyage Sri Lanka 2025: Initiative to harness power of Sri Lanka’s blue economy

Voyage Sri Lanka 2025, the international marine summit organised by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), has concluded, recording a massive success. Held on 16 October, at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo, the event surpassed expectations, drawing over 250 local and overseas delegates from about six countries. Building on the momentum from its inaugural edition in 2024, this year’s summit, under the theme “Unveiling the Blue Economy Potential of Sri Lanka,” solidified the island nation’s position as a flourishing hub for marine innovation and sustainable growth in the Indian Ocean region. 

From the early morning registration to the closing B2B meetings and the networking session, the day was packed with insightful discussions, strategic partnership opportunities, and progressive-thinking collaborations. Participants, including entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and industry experts from both public and private sectors, commended the event as a pivotal platform for unlocking Sri Lanka’s vast potential of Blue Economy. 

The agenda kicked off with registration at 8:00 a.m., followed by opening remarks by EDB Chairman/CEO Mangala Wijesinghe, setting the stage for a dynamic program that blended high-level keynotes, expert panels, and interactive sessions. The opening ceremony featured welcoming remarks from key figures, emphasising Sri Lanka’s strategic location and untapped resources in sectors such as ship building and ship repair, offshore services, boat building, offshore wind farming, fisheries and aquaculture, and nautical tourism and more.

The summit’s prestige was elevated by the presence of a distinguished roster of VVIPs, including top Government officials and ministry leaders who underscored Sri Lanka’s unwavering commitment to maritime advancement. Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Hadunneththi, Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Ports and Civil Aviation Minister Anura Karunathilaka, Transport, Highways, Ports and Civil Aviation Deputy Minister Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku and Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha were among them. 

A highlight of the summit was the keynote address by Labour Minister and Economic Development Deputy Minister Prof. Anil Jayantha. In his speech, the Minister underscored the Government’s commitment to sustainable development, outlining policies to boost marine industries and create jobs. His address set an inspirational tone, drawing hope to transform Sri Lanka into a blue economy powerhouse. 

The event’s core revolved around three insightful panel discussions, each delving into critical aspects of Sri Lanka’s maritime future:

Trincomalee as the Strategic Gateway to Sri Lanka’s Blue Economy – Moderated by GAC Group of Sri Lanka Group Director Ricky Barnett an industry veteran, and this panel featured speakers like Act/Additional Harbour Master, Sri Lanka Ports Authority Capt. Lakshi Wasantha, and Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Manager (Engineering and Premises) Gayan Wijekoon. Panellists explored Trincomalee’s role as a logistics and energy hub, discussing infrastructure upgrades and investment prospects that could position it as a gateway for regional trade. 

Energising Sri Lanka’s Blue Economy: Offshore Oil & Gas Exploration and LNG Infrastructure as Economic Game Changers – The session featured an eminent panel of industry leaders, comprising Ceylon Petroleum Corporation Managing Director Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage, Petroleum Development Authority Director General Dr. Neil De Silva, LTL Holdings Ltd., Deputy CEO – Operations Dammika Nanayakkara, and Indo–Sri Lanka Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice Chairman Dr. Naresh Bana. The discussion was moderated by Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB) Chairman of the Marine & Offshore Advisory Committee Dr. Sarath Obeysekera. Discussions centred on offshore energy opportunities, including LNG infrastructure and renewable sources like offshore wind farming. The panel highlighted potential economic multipliers, with participants announcing preliminary agreements for joint ventures in exploration and technology transfer. 

Charting a Course for Growth: Synergising Boat Building and Nautical Tourism for Sri Lanka’s Blue Economy – The third panel discussion was moderated by Chamber of Marine Industries of Sri Lanka Chairman Kaushal Rajapaksa and featured by Industry and Entrepreneurship Development Ministry Secretary J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara, Senior Consultant to Dive Tech Ventures Ltd., RSP**, USP, ndu, psc, Admiral Priyantha Perera (Retd), Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority Director – Tourism Planning, Development and Investments Dr. Prasad Jayasuriya and National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency Deputy Director General Dr. K.H.M.L. Amaralal. The conversation focused on integrating boat building with nautical tourism, aquaculture, and fisheries. Innovative ideas and sustainable tourism models were showcased, inspiring collaborations that promise to boost local economies.   

Other notable speakers improved the proceedings, including Asian Development Bank Sri Lanka Resident Mission Country Director Takafumi Kadono, UNDP Sri Lanka Chief Economist Dr. Vagisha Gunasekara, Coast Conservation & Coastal Resource Mgt. Department Director General Prof. Terney Pradeep, former Chief Hydrographer and Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy Rear Admiral Y.N. Jayarathna (Retd), University of Ruhuna Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology Dean Prof. K.H.M. Ashoka Deepananda, and University of Moratuwa Department of Transport Management & Logistics Engineering Senior Lecturer Dr. Indika Sigera. Their contributions provided a multifaceted view of the blue economy. Beyond the panels, the summit facilitated investor meetings, B2B sessions, and networking opportunities that flowed with energy. Attendees experienced innovative boat technologies showcased. Also, they were able to foster direct connections between local entrepreneurs and global stakeholders.  

Strong partnerships bolstered the event’s success. Seylan Bank, Lanka Marine Services, Lanka IOC, Hayleys Advantis, Chamber of Marine Industries Sri Lanka (CMISL) and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau underscored the collaborative spirit driving Sri Lanka’s marine sector forward.

As Voyage Sri Lanka 2025 wrapped up, the consensus was clear: this summit has not only unveiled Sri Lanka’s blue economy potential but has also set the sails for tangible growth. With echoes of fruitful discussions still resonating, industry leaders are already looking ahead to the 2026 edition. For those who missed out, the official website at www.voyagesrilanka.lk offers recaps and resources to stay connected to this voyage!