Sri Lanka has exported its first locally manufactured amphibious craft capable of operating on both land and water to Europe, marking a milestone for the country’s marine manufacturing industry.
The craft, manufactured by Ocean Voyager International, was officially sent for export at an event held at the Koggala Free Trade Zone on Thursday (10), attended by Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Minister Sunil Handunnetti.
According to the Industries Ministry, the high-tech amphibious craft is the first of its kind manufactured in Sri Lanka for export to the European market.
Speaking at the event, Minister Handunnetti said developing a domestic production-based economy was a key priority of the government.
He said Sri Lanka’s location along major international shipping routes provided significant opportunities to develop the boat and shipbuilding industry as a major source of foreign exchange.
The minister said the government would provide necessary facilities and support to strengthen the sector, with the aim of developing Sri Lanka into a regional marine manufacturing hub by leveraging the expertise of local engineers and workers.
SLYG Group Chairman Pierre Pringiers, National Enterprise Development Authority Chairman Lakshman Obeysekera, company representatives and Board of Investment officials were also present at the event. (Newswire)
