INDHRA KAUSHAL RAJAPAKSA

Q: How did you become a trailblazer in the marine sector?

A: My journey began with the Building A Future Foundation (BAFF) as a director where I was involved in helping the foundation develop the required infrastructure for setting up mini-marinas and training youth in our BAFF Training Centre, as well as through engagement in water sports and related leisure activities.

As a director of multiple entities, I am a director of two companies in the Sea Leisure Yachting Group (SLYG) – namely, Sail Lanka Charter and Ocean Voyager International (formerly BAFF Polymech) – engaged in boat building and chartering activities. These companies actively participate in both chartering and boat building.

Additionally, last year we acquired Ocean Voyager – a French company specialising in manufacturing day charter catamarans. The integration process has concluded after one year with the successful rebranding of our boat building company, now known as Ocean Voyager International.

Eventually, I was elected to the position of Chairman of the Chamber of Marine Industries of Sri Lanka. This year, we orchestrated a successful boat show, attracting approximately 2,500 visitors over three days – including boat enthusiasts from the Maldives, India and other countries.

Additionally, we formalised a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Boating Association of Maldives.

Q: What motivated you when you embarked on your entrepreneurial journey?

A: I initiated my venture Kalhari Group of Companies and traversed the footwear sector for two decades, followed by five years in tyre manufacturing. Later, I joined the tsunami reconstruction effort as a director of the Task Force for Rebuilding the Nation (TAFREN).

Through the years, I received NCE awards from the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka over a decade and many international accolades as an exporter.

Sea Leisure Yachting Group and Pierre Pringiers – the Chairman – pioneered whale watching in 2006 through Mirissa Water Sports. We initially relied on expat expertise but today, our staff is proficient in luxury yacht manufacturing.

The success story of our company setting up a mini-marina in Mirissa could serve as a blueprint for replication in the Galle port as well as fisheries harbours to attract sailing enthusiasts, boosting tourism and consequently the economy.

Our giant strides in luxury yacht manufacturing, featuring 10 chartered yachts in Sri Lanka operated by Sail Lanka, the charter arm of the SLYG Group, and mini-marinas in Port City Colombo and Mirissa operated by Solar Impulse – also a part of SLYG – are testimonies to our progress.

Within SLYG, our diverse initiatives – encompassing the BAFF Training Centre, Solar Impulse in Kayts, Velanai; BAFF Polymech; Sail Lanka Charter; GL Yachting Asia; the Ruhunu Sailing Association; and Sabrosa Rain Advanced Technologies – reflect our commitment to the boats, leisure and marine sector.

With three boatyards in Sri Lanka – two in the south and one recently opened in Jaffna – we continually upgrade our technology, aiming to match global yacht manufacturing standards.

Q: Could you discuss the goals you have set for your endeavours?

A: Our primary objective is to elevate the boat sector’s prominence and promote boating as a lifestyle in Sri Lanka. We envision establishing a chamber to assist boat manufacturers in resolving challenges and facilitating industry development, encouraging boat enthusiasts to anchor their vessels in Sri Lankan waters.

Q: And what challenges have you encountered?

A: Since 2016, we’ve faced challenges in Sri Lanka due to the lack of a marine lifestyle culture, with a scarcity of yachts and infrastructure. The local community and tourist agencies have displayed limited interest in promoting activities like yachting, sailing and cruising.

A current challenge is finalising the local regulatory framework for CE certification compliance, vital for lawful boat operation in Sri Lankan waters and potential yacht exports – particularly to Europe and other countries. Obtaining CE certification is now a paramount requirement.

An impediment is the 50 percent upfront taxes on yachts built locally for professional use by Board of Investment (BOI) companies. This tax, even for vessels operated by a local BOI tourist charter company, deters potential investors in nautical tourism, hindering industry growth.

Q: How have you managed diverse organisational leadership roles?

A: Rooted in the values of free education, my dedication to giving back has driven my involvement in various leadership roles. As the Lions Multiple Council Chairman in Sri Lanka, I contribute to the largest service organisation globally, serving our country.

---

 Telephone: 0702 713007 | Email: info@slyg.com | Website: www.slyg.global