The Boat Show Sri Lanka 2012 is set to bring in new dimensions of Boating activity to the leisure and adventure hungry Lankan market by way of modern boating technologies, equipments and activities that are part and parcel of the boating industry worldwide.

The event is set to be held from the 18^th to the 20^th of May 2012 at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Memorial Exhibition Centre for the third consecutive time and will showcase modern boating technologies and methods, which will be introduced to the Lankan public by boat manufacturers, accessory suppliers, service providers and a host of other related sub industries.

Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean as many have termed it has vast resources of water both around the Island and within it. The vast water reservoirs have always been looked at as a mode of relaxation, industry and adventure. The lakes, streams and rivers that surround our beautiful island have always been untapped and used by a very small percentage of our population whose main industry is fishing. However, many people within this country and the world understand the treasure trove that is hidden within the country and tend to explore our natural water fronts for sheer pleasure and adventure.

Sports such as kite surfing, jet skiing and a host of other adventure sports have now gradually stepped into fill the void within the waters. Moreover, many people find the serenity of the calm waters and the untapped exploration of the beauty within the waters as modes of leisure and relaxation. The Boat Show will provide all of these different segments an ideal platform to witness and experience the marvel that is boating.

For the ever adventurous Sri Lankan youth the Boat show will provide the ideal opportunity to explore. The very fact that anyone could buy a boat for less than half the prize to that of a modern car with readily available accessories would indeed be motivation to venture into the boating territories. The colonial irrigation system that was put in place by the ruling Colonialist centuries ago is still very much intact. The governments’ efforts are now being directed towards developing these facilities in order to curb traffic and ease transportation. This indeed will require a unique boating experience which the boat show is ready to deliver. To cater to a modern market that is looking forward to something new, together with the sheer thrill of adventure will the Boat show will indeed be the ideal location.

(Seated from Left to Right: Mr. Imran Hassan - Director - LECS, Mr. Asitha K.Seneviratna  - Additional Secretary - Policy Development - Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Mr. Janaka Ratnayake - Chairman & Chief Executive - Sri Lanka Export Development Board, Mr. Neil Fernando - Chairman - Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute Lanka (GTE) Ltd, Mr. Gamini Herath - Managing Director - Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute Lanka (GTE) Ltd)

The Boat show organized by the Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute (BTI) in conjunction with its long time partner, Presidential award winning LECS (Lanka Exhibition and Conference Services) is set to bring in a new theme of adventure, leisure and industry dimensions to Sri Lanka. The initiative is ably supported by the Ministry of Industry and Commerce together with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board is set to promote a new and innovative boating experience to the Lankan public.  

Today world over boating has become one of the most sought after concepts. The introduction and commercialization of modern cruise ships which are now one of the most sought after activities among the tourism and hospitality industries, the evolution of a new generation of adventure seekers who have developed a ‘thrill’ in seeking their adventures within the beauties of the water have all contributed to the re emergence of boating as a fun filled leisure driven activity.

The very fact that the youth could use their passion of modifying vehicles could also be turned towards the modification of boats which in essence is a much cheaper and fun filled activity. Day outings in the lakes, parties, or simple relaxation with a few good friends are all possible for those boat enthusiasts. Modern safety methods and technologies are also very much a part of the boating industry and are a most important part of any feature within the industry.

The Boat Show Sri Lanka has continuously attracted all leading industry suppliers in the region to display a wide array of products at the exhibition. It is believed that the show is considered as one of the most educative experiences for beginners and professionals. Thus we could expect the show this year to reach new heights and creating a major step towards Sri Lanka being one of the most sought after boating hubs in the region.