By: Staff Writer
September 25, Colombo (LNW): At a time when global economies are increasingly looking seaward for sustainable growth, Sri Lanka is making a determined bid to position itself as a regional leader in the emerging “Blue Economy.”
Against this backdrop, the Export Development Board (EDB) yesterday announced that it will host the second edition of Voyage Sri Lanka South Asia’s premier marine summit on 16 October 2025 at the Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo.
This year’s summit, themed “Unveiling the Blue Economy Potential of Sri Lanka,” aims to bring together global leaders, policymakers, investors, and professionals to unlock the vast opportunities that lie within the country’s ocean resources. The event comes as Sri Lanka seeks to diversify exports and attract investments at a time of economic recovery and restructuring.
EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe said Sri Lanka’s strategic geographic location at the heart of the Indian Ocean makes the marine economy a natural pillar for future growth. “The Blue Economy is no longer just a concept – it offers immense opportunities in trade, marine and offshore services, fisheries, tourism, and sustainable marine industries,” he said.
Two sectors have been identified as priority growth drivers: marine and offshore services (M&OS), and boat and shipbuilding. Together, they already provide a solid foundation but remain underexploited relative to Sri Lanka’s geographic advantages.
According to industry estimates, the M&OS sector generates an annual turnover of $300–400 million, anchored by Sri Lanka’s natural deep-water ports in Trincomalee, Hambantota, and Colombo.
Nearly 200–250 international vessels pass close to the island every day, offering opportunities in ship repair, offshore engineering, rig lay-up, bunkering, and support services. With strategic investment, Wijesinghe argued, Sri Lanka could emerge as a regional hub for servicing the global shipping industry.
Boat building and shipbuilding are also gaining international recognition. Sri Lanka currently has around 20–25 boat builders and a leading shipbuilding company producing state-of-the-art vessels for export. Buyers include markets in Norway, the Maldives, the Netherlands, and parts of Africa, covering everything from pleasure craft to coast guard patrol boats. Shipbuilding and repair are the largest contributors to export earnings in the sector, supported by a skilled local workforce and advanced technical capabilities.
The upcoming summit will provide a platform for international experts, investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore investment opportunities, while also emphasizing sustainability and innovation. Sessions will include keynote addresses, panel discussions, and business-to-business networking, aimed at forging partnerships and boosting exports.
Beyond the technical focus, the event underscores Sri Lanka’s intent to frame the marine economy as a key growth engine for the future. “We remain steadfast in our mission to unlock new export opportunities and attract investment in Sri Lanka’s marine sector. I call upon our industry partners, investors, and the global marine community to join us in harnessing the full potential of the blue economy,” Wijesinghe said.
With the global Blue Economy projected to generate trillions of dollars in value by 2030, Sri Lanka’s efforts through Voyage Sri Lanka 2025 mark an ambitious step to secure its share of the opportunity while reinforcing its role as a vital Indian Ocean hub.
