Dr SARATH OBEYSEKERA

Last year we have launched National Export Strategy in temple trees with much publicity . Development of .Boat Building and Nautical Tourism was one of main features

Today we are sad to say that nothing tangible has happened.investors coerced by companies like ours have been discouraged when they note the unbearable bureacracy delaying investment to promote boat building and also developing marinas for tourism.

Galle harbour was earmarked for a marina development .SLPA called tenders and it is almost a year and no decisions are made.

Any local or foreign investor who wants build a small yacht to take their friends and tourists from Kalpiyiya to Galle are facing a frustrating process to register with Director Merchant Shipping and obtain permission from the Navy,Ministry of Defence and Coast guard

They have pay over million rupees to register and keep paying annual fee

We wrote ro EDB as members of the state appointed advisory committee to relax rules .No action so far

Ministers in charge are doing things to change constitution to stay in power or but none of the newly appointed ministers called regular meetings to monitor development .

Can prime minister appoint a educated forward looking minister and form a Authority for Blue Econimy and appoint a private sector leader with powers to take this development forward.

I as the co chairman of the advisory committee is totally frustrated

Dr SARATH OBEYSEKERA

Dr Sarath Obeysekera
CEO Walkers Colombo Shipyard
Colombo
Sri Lanka