Chamber Marine Industry Sri Lanka (CMISL) re-elected Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa as Chairman of the Chamber for the 2025–2026 term at the Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Held on the morning of 7 August at the London Grill, Cinnamon Grand, Colombo, Sri Lanka, address fellow delegates. Kaushal, who also leads businesses spanning the marine, recycling, plastics, and rubber sectors, thanked members for their support and outlined the Chamber’s recent achievements and future initiatives.

Chamber Marine Industry Sri Lanka Achievements and Regional Collaboration

The past year saw the Chamber elevate water-based leisure and sports activities—expanding diving and power-boating both to attract tourism and strengthen Sri Lanka’s maritime image. The introduction of the IODA diver program enhanced safety standards for local diving activities, while a locally manufactured powerboat served as a testament to Sri Lankan craftsmanship. Additionally, the import of sailing yachts from Chennai bolstered regional cooperation.

A key development was the Memorandum of Understanding signed with the Madras Yacht Club, reflecting a growing focus on collaboration and mutual growth between maritime communities

Strategic Infrastructure & Tourism

Looking ahead, Kaushal outlined ambitious plans to transform eight fisheries harbours into modern marinas, a move aimed at enhancing nautical tourism by opening Sri Lanka’s coastal offerings to visitors.

His mandate emphasises an empowered, forward-thinking marine industry—“Sri Lanka will not be a passenger in the global marine sector but a navigator,” he declared, underscoring a vision rooted in sustainable innovation and expanding export markets.

Looking Forward: Boat Shows & International Reach

Kaushal also announced dates for the 10th Sri Lanka Boat Show, scheduled for 30–31 January and 1 February 2026, to be held at the Port City Sail Lanka Boat Yard. The event aims to spotlight the capabilities of Sri Lankan marine manufacturers and service providers.

His Excellency Semih Lütfü Turgut, Ambassador of Turkey and Chief Guest at the AGM, extended an invitation for the Chamber to attend the Turkey Boat Show later in February 2026. The Ambassador pledged support in connecting Sri Lankan manufacturers with the Turkish Boat Association to explore new opportunities.

Government Support & Industry Momentum

Also attending as Guest of Honour, Mrs. S.W.C. Jayamini, Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Industry & Entrepreneurship Development, reaffirmed government support. She announced that the Ministry is close to awarding a contract for constructing a slipway at Beruwala and pledged continued backing for the upcoming Boat Show.

The AGM drew a distinguished audience, including international diplomats, policymakers, and industry leaders, notably Hon. Koenraad Werner M. Pringiers, Honorary Consul of Belgium, whose longstanding advocacy highlights the importance of international partnerships for Sri Lanka’s marine sector.

Marine Industry Sri Lanka: A Unified Vision for Future Growth

In closing, Kaushal called for collective effort:

“Together, we can enhance Sri Lanka’s position in the global marine market and drive sustainable growth.”
With renewed leadership, strategic public-private collaboration, and a bold agenda, CMISL is poised to chart a promising and sustainable maritime future.’

Article source: https://www.ceylondigest.com/from-local-roots-to-global-growth-indhra-kaushals-marine-vision/

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