Voyage Sri Lanka 2025: The initiative to harness the 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 2025, at the Kingsbury Hotel in Colombo, the event surpassed expectations, drawing over 250 local and overseas delegates from about 06 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 AM, followed by opening Remarks by Mr Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman  & CEO of EDB, 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 shipbuilding 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. Hon. Sunil Hadunneththi, Minister of Industry & Entrepreneurship Development; Hon. Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Deputy Minister of Industry & Entrepreneurship Development; Hon. Anura Karunathilaka, Minister of Ports & Civil Aviation; Hon. Janitha Ruwan Kodithuwakku, Deputy Minister of Transport, Highways, Ports & Civil Aviation; and Hon. Prof. Anil Jayantha Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development were among them.

A highlight of the summit was the keynote address by Hon. (Prof.) Anil Jayantha, Minister of Labour and Deputy Minister of Economic Development. 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 Mr. Ricky Barnett, Group Director, GAC Group of Sri Lanka, an industry veteran, and this panel featured speakers like Capt. Lakshi Wasantha, Act/Additional Harbour Master, Sri Lanka Ports Authority, and Mr. Gayan Wijekoon, Manager (Engineering and Premises), Ceylon Petroleum Corporation. 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. Energizing 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 Dr. Mayura Neththikumarage, Managing Director of the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation; Dr. Neil De Silva, Director General of the Petroleum Development Authority; Mr. Dammika Nanayakkara, Deputy CEO – Operations at LTL Holdings Ltd; and Dr. Naresh Bana, Vice Chairman of the Indo–Sri Lanka Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Sarath Obeysekera, Chairman of the Marine & Offshore Advisory Committee of the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (SLEDB). 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: Synergizing Boat Building and Nautical Tourism for Sri Lanka's Blue Economy-

The third panel discussion was moderated by Mr. Kaushal Rajapaksa, Chairman of the Chamber of Marine Industries of Sri Lanka and featured by Ms. J.M. Thilaka Jayasundara, Secretary,  Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development, Admiral Priyantha Perera (retd), RSP**, USP,ndu,psc,  Senior Consultant to Dive Tech Ventures Pvt (Ltd) , Dr. Prasad Jayasuriya, Director - Tourism Planning, Development & Investments,  Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority,and Dr. K.H.M.L. Amaralal, Deputy Director General, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency. 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 Mr. Takafumi Kadono, Country Director of the Asian Development Bank Sri Lanka Resident Mission, Dr Vagisha Gunasekara, Chief Economist at UNDP Sri Lanka, Prof. Terney Pradeep, Director General, Coast Conservation & Coastal Resource Mgt. Department,  Rear Admiral YN Jayarathna (Retd), former Chief Hydrographer and Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Navy,  Prof. KHM Ashoka Deepananda, Dean, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences & Technology,  University of  Ruhuna and Dr. Indika Sigera, Senior Lecturer, Department of Transport Management & Logistics Engineering,  University of  Moratuwa .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!