Sri Lanka plans countrywide water-based transport and tourism boost
Daily FT: In a fresh move to capitalise on the vast network of inland waterways and coastal routes, the Cabinet of Ministers last week gave its green light to conduct a feasibility study aimed at launching a national water-based transport and tourism initiative.
The plan envisions transforming the country’s underutilised rivers, canals, and coastlines into vibrant corridors for passenger travel and tourism.
Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said the move seeks to explore the development of both coastal and inland boat services, connecting key cities, while unlocking tourism potential across multiple scenic water bodies.
“The feasibility study will evaluate the economic, environmental, and logistical viability of the plan. Based on the study’s findings, the project is expected to be launched as a public-private partnership (PPP), attracting both local and international investment in water transport and tourism infrastructure,” he said addressing the weekly post-Cabinet meeting media briefing.
He also said the proposed routes include Puttalam to Fort, Fort to Galle, and Galle to Matara—major coastal stretches that could serve as alternatives to congested road traffic, while offering travellers a more scenic and leisurely travel.
Dr. Jayatissa said the Government also plans to utilise inland water sources such as Hamilton Ela, Bere Wewa, Diyawanna Oya, and Madu Ganga — known for their natural beauty and ecological significance — to support tourism development.
The proposal, presented by Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath, was approved by the Cabinet of Ministers.
OSL take:
Sri Lankas’s steadily growing tourism industry has presented many business/investment opportunities. The industry is bound to witness further expansion with the authorities looming at identifying and promoting new tourism concepts while also presenting new business/investment opportunities along those lines. It is in such a backdrop that the Sri Lankan authorities are looking at developing and promoting water-based transport as part of boosting the country’s tourism industry. It is evident that apart from the direct and indirect business/investment opportunities in the country’s tourism industry and related sectors, foreign businesses/investors could explore the many opportunities. The new tourism concepts being promoted by the local industry has presented opportunities that include the development of infrastructure and supplementary infrastructure facilities required to meet the growing demands of the expanding industry. Foreign businesses/investors could also look at expanding operations in the tourism industry and related sectors through local collaborations.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20250430/Z_4 |