Sri Lanka once again a destination for cruise ship operators

Sri Lanka is once again becoming an attractive destination for cruise ship operators with the end of the war.

Mohan Pandithage, Chairman of Hayleys, a group with significant shipping business said that they will get many cruise vessels which had not been calling Colombo port earlier as the war has drawn to an end.

He told a business forum that cruise lines have now started making inquiries. Cruise lines fix their schedules two to three years ahead. He said that some Companies were now talking to them to bring Colombo back on their schedule. He revealed that they are also talking to other companies.

Colombo was a favourite port of call for cruise ships operating in the Indian Ocean before the war began in 1983. The war deterred visits because of the fear of violence. Mr. Pandithage said plans by the Government to develop the Southern Port of Galle as a yacht Harbour would also help attract more tourists. Galle will be a very attractive destination to break journey. They would like to have a 3-4 day stop to do repairs as well as sightseeing.