SL to showcase Blue Economy potential at global marine summit
The Blue Economy is no longer just a concept – it is a pillar of future growth, said Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and CEO of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), last week in announcing the second edition of Voyage Sri Lanka, South Asia’s premier marine summit.
The event will be held on October 16, 2025 at the Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo under the theme “Unveiling the Blue Economy Potential of Sri Lanka.” Organised by the EDB, the summit will bring together global leaders, policymakers, investors and professionals to explore opportunities in sustainable marine industries, technological innovation and regional collaboration.
Mr. Wijesinghe said Sri Lanka’s location at the heart of the Indian Ocean makes it uniquely positioned to benefit from the Blue Economy. “Nearly 200–250 vessels pass by the island daily, creating vast opportunities for ship repair, offshore engineering, bunkering and related services,” he noted, pointing out that the Marine and Offshore Services sector already generates US$ 300–400 million annually.
The boat and shipbuilding industry was also highlighted as a high-potential export earner. With around 20–25 boat builders and one shipyard in operation, Sri Lanka has built a reputation for state-of-the-art vessels that meet global standards, supplying markets in Norway, the Maldives, the Netherlands and Africa.
The summit will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions and B2B sessions, providing a platform for investors to engage directly with policymakers and industry leaders. Beyond policy dialogue, it will also spotlight Sri Lanka’s growing expertise in nautical tourism and other emerging maritime sectors.
EDB officials and industry representatives, including Ricky Barnett, Kaushal Rajapaksa and Capt. Nirmal Silva, joined the media briefing to announce the event.
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