Sri Lanka, Oct. 10 -- The first dedicated boat launching pad designed to support the local marine industry by providing a facility for testing new vessels, is being constructed in Beruwala and it is expected to be complete by March 2026, Sunil Handunnetti, Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister told the 9th International Boat Show & Conference launching ceremony held in Colombo on October 8.

With a close to Rs 200 million investment the proposed facility aims to address the infrastructure gap hindering boat manufacturers from competitively exporting large vessels, as many local boat builders are located in the Beruwala area. Handunnetti said they hope to increase the annual revenue for boat building exports to USD 100 milli...