The Boat Show & Marine Show 2023 organised by the Chamber of Marine Industries Sri Lanka (CMISL) will be the only event held in Sri Lanka to develop the boating market by showcasing the latest products, technology, and services in the boating & fisheries world. The event will be the 8th edition and will be held from 27th to 29th October 2023 at the Port City Colombo. Following the success of the Boat Show Sri Lanka 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016 & 2018, the upcoming exhibition will further improve its standards while attracting large numbers of buyers along with boating enthusiasts and industry professionals from different countries such as India, Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh, Singapore, Seychelles, Mauritius, South Korea, China, Germany, Netherlands, and the UK among others.
Speaking at the press conference held recently at The Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo, the Chairman of the CMISL, Mr Kaushal Rajapaksa commented “ We aim to showcase our quality of work and exchange skills and technology with all other boat -building countries of the world. At the moment we have an MOU in place with the Maldives and two others with both Korea and South Africa, which are in the process of being finalised. He stated that Sri Lanka is also a part of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) which represents them at an international level, presenting a strong and united voice when dealing with issues challenging the industry. Mr. Rajapaksa added that the Export & Development Board (EDB) and the Ministry of Industries have lent their fullest support.
Speaking to the media, the Minister of Tourism & Lands, Harin Fernando, stressed the importance of the Boat & Marine Show for the nautical and tourism industries, particularly in promoting Sri Lanka as a “marine destination” with the goal of attracting high spending tourists to the island. He stated that the
event is a crucial part of the Sri Lankan economy and will give maximum international exposure to the marine industry in Sri Lanka. He stated that “Sri Lanka is a resilient nation and the Boat & Marine Show is a testament to this – being an island blessed with perennial rivers and inland banks, the potential for water based tourist activities is enormous”. The State Minister of Investment Promotion, Dilum Amunugama, added that the prime focus should be placed on exports, tourism and investment. He reiterated that the upcoming event will promote the developing Port City Colombo along with showcasing Sri Lanka as a major marine tourism destination.
The Organising Committee Boat & Marine Show Sri Lanka 2023 Chairman, Sharzan Ramesh Perera, addressing the media stated that the event will be the best ever held to date – “With the new venue, Port City Colombo, it will be very convenient for visitors, tourists, and even investors who have shown interest in the industry. As tourism will be playing a major part in the country’s economic revival, it will boost the industry as well. Our boats and marine products are accepted internationally and this will increase its exposure and make Sri Lanka a leader in the nautical field as well”. The Boat & Marine Show 2023 event is sponsored by Sail Lanka Charter and Morex Lanka (Pvt) Ltd as the Platinum Sponsors and Neil Marine (Pvt) Ltd as the Diamond Sponsor.
Article by Nelum Buddhadasa