In a landmark initiative poised to reshape the regional marine tourism and conservation landscape, the first-ever Indian Ocean Summit will be held in Colombo on June 7, 2025, coinciding with World Oceans Day.
Organised by the Indian Ocean Divers Association (IODA) in collaboration with the Chamber of Marine Industries Sri Lanka (CMISL), the summit marks a major step forward for Sri Lanka’s growing role in the Indian Ocean’s sustainable marine development. Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) has played a key role in bringing this event to Sri Lanka.
The high-profile event, set to take place at Cinnamon Grand, Colombo, brings together a diverse and dynamic network of divers, ocean advocates, industry leaders, marine scientists, conservationists and tourism professionals from across the region. With strong backing from national stakeholders, the summit is expected to be a landmark occasion for marine tourism and a strong signal of national support for sustainable ocean development.
According to IODA, the summit will promote sustainable business practices, strengthen cross-border collaboration, and advocate for the preservation of the Indian Ocean’s rich marine biodiversity. The inclusive agenda features high-level panel discussions, expert presentations, and networking opportunities covering a wide range of themes from marine ecosystem conservation and sustainable tourism models to innovations in diving, underwater film technology, and eco-conscious business development.
The summit is expected to draw participants from Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India, and Southeast Asia, alongside notable figures from the global diving and conservation communities.
Hosting this historic summit places Sri Lanka at the centre of a regional conversation about ocean sustainability and the future of marine tourism. The event offers a strategic platform for the country to showcase its world-class diving sites, expand its footprint in the international dive tourism market, and forge new partnerships in marine conservation and innovation.
The collaboration between IODA and CMISL reflects a growing recognition of the marine sector’s role in Sri Lanka’s economic revival, environmental stewardship, and youth employment opportunities.
IODA General Secretary, Suraj Khan, highlighted the organisation’s vision and Sri Lanka’s potential:
“Sri Lanka is a sleeping giant in a world of dive tourism opportunities. With vibrant marine biodiversity, ancient shipwrecks and a stunning untapped coastline, this island nation holds the most undervalued natural assets in its territorial waters,” he said.
“Placed between the iconic diving paradise – Maldives and the thriving dive fraternity of India, Sri Lanka is uniquely positioned to become a central dive destination in the Indian Ocean. That is where IODA comes in.”
He further noted that the summit will bring to Colombo ‘a powerful line of leading business minds, dive pioneers and marine economy strategists’ from across the Indian Ocean, aiming to shape a strong, united, and more sustainable blue economy for Sri Lanka.
Looking ahead, Khan expressed IODA’s commitment to strengthening key partnerships across Africa and South Asia and thanked Sri Lanka’s Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau (SLTPB) for exploring new avenues for developing the country’s tourism economy. He described the Indian Ocean as a ‘real investment, a high-reward asset’ with the potential to open up new economic horizons for the nation.
By Sanath Nanayakkare 
from The Island https://ift.tt/TBK82ma
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