The second edition of Voyage Sri Lanka 2025, a high-level maritime conference organized by the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB), was held on Wednesday at the Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo, under the theme “Unlocking Sri Lanka’s Blue Economy Potential.”
The event brought together government leaders, international development partners, and private sector representatives to discuss strategies for positioning Sri Lanka as a competitive global maritime hub.
Hon. Sunil Hadunnetti, Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, graced the occasion as Chief Guest, emphasizing the nation’s strategic geographic advantage in the Indian Ocean and the critical importance of infrastructure development in maximizing that potential.
“We are working to formulate the necessary policies that will make Sri Lanka internationally competitive in the maritime industry,” the Minister said, inviting global investors to explore opportunities in the sector. “The Ministry of Industry will extend all required facilities and support to ensure successful partnerships.”
In his remarks, EDB Chairman Mangala Wijesinghe reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to building a globally competitive marine and offshore services sector through innovation, skills development, and collaboration.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Anil Jayantha Fernando, Minister of Labor and Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning, outlined the importance of sustainable maritime investments in driving Sri Lanka’s economic transformation.
Mr. Takafumi Kadono, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), discussed ADB’s strategic partnership in advancing Sri Lanka’s Blue Economy, sharing key lessons learned and highlighting future investment opportunities.
The event drew participation from several distinguished guests, including Hon. Anura Karunatilaka, Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation; Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Ms. Tilaka Jayasundara, Secretary to the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development; Mr. Hanif Yusoof, Governor of the Western Province; and Mr. Arjuna Herath, Chairman of the Board of Investment of Sri Lanka.
Representatives from key institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority, the Navy, and leading maritime companies including Colombo Dockyard and GAC Group Sri Lanka were also in attendance.
International development agencies — including the ADB, International Maritime Organization (IMO), and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) — joined local and foreign experts, as well as academics from the University of Moratuwa and University of Ruhuna, as resource persons at the conference.
The conference was supported by several corporate sponsors, including Lanka Marine Services, Seylan Bank PLC, Lanka IOC PLC, Hayleys Advantis Limited, the Marine Industry Council of Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
Subscribe to our newsletter to get notification about new updates, information, etc..
