Sri Lanka is to develop 12 marinas in 2030 and to have a network around the island with 1,200 berths, said Gamini Herath -Managing Director, Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute (BTI).
Speaking at a webinar organized by Sri Lanka Export Development Board under the theme ‘Recreational Boating Development in Sri Lanka he said, “We are envisaging 8 million tourist arrivals by 2030 and we believe we may have a market potential for 4,000-5,000 boats. Moreover, we’re talking about creating a maritime hub. Nevertheless, popular destinations for yachters are Phuket Island, Indonesia, Andaman Islands, India and Maldives and Sri Lanka does not have proper marinas and incentives for yachts to be in our waters.” Speaking on the ongoing marina development projects in Sri Lanka, he said Colombo Port City marina breakwater has been completed and awaits investment in facility development such as berthing infrastructure, club/boat house, utilities , service infrastructures, etc. Currently it is being used by a chartering company on a temporary lease- a part of the marina for their chartering business with several yachts. A second marina has been planned in Marawila by a resident German entrepreneur which is being kick started with the involvement of a Maldivian partnership.
“The feasibility study for the construction of breakwater of the third marina in Weligama has been completed, and we’re awaiting the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study. And it will be available for investment in (100 berths) marina development by 2024.
The construction of the basic structure of the Mini Marina at the Port of Galle has been completed and tenders have been called for rest of the infrastructure development, and many yachters know the destination and are used mainly for emergency services and repairs.
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