The Boat Show Sri Lanka 2012 is set to bring in a new dimension of Boating to Sri Lanka and the region with the public and private sectors in the Island keen on participating in the development of the industry. The “Boat Show 2012” was held on the 18^th 19^th and 20^th of May at the Sirimavo Bandaranaike Exhibition Centre under the theme “Development of the Boat Industry through Marina development”.  Minister of Industry & Commerce Hon. Rishard Bathiudeen will be the chief guest of the event.

“Marina” denotes leisure boat parking lots which are yet to materialize in Sri Lanka. The introduction of “Marina’s” to the country will most definitely attract a whole new sector of leisure boat enthusiasts together with luxury yachts’, new adventure enthusiasts from all over the globe. The Boating industry in the country which presently is reeling with the lack of a Marina, and are set to pursue their mission through the Boat Show giving the country a whole new dimension of visitors and investors.

The Annual Boating Conference is to be held on the 19^th of May together with the Boat Show. The conference will be attended by three world renowned Boating and Marina experts who have contributed and been chief architects of building Marinas destinations such in the Middle East and South Korea.

The event held for the third consecutive year will also provide the sole platform for The showcase of 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. Mr. Cyril Herath the Managing Director of Boat Building Technology Institute of Sri Lanka believes that the Boat Show will bring together a diverse range of players in the industry into one common platform.

“One of the main concerns for the country is the lack of a marina, if we have one it will be a major boost for the country as it will help attract many luxury cruises, wealthy businessman who own yachts’ and a whole different dimension of Boating related adventure sports and leisure activities. Therefore the Boat Show 2012 will provide the best platform for all industry related persons to come to a central stage and work towards the development of this largely untapped but enormously beneficial industry” he said.

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. Sri Lanka an Island nation covered with vast reservoirs of ocean will be an ideal destination for all those who love the peace and tranquility of the ocean and those who love adventure.

The Boat show organized by the Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute (BTI) in conjunction with its long time partner, Presidential award winning 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.