South Asias most focused and largest international Boat Show and Boating Festival Sri Lanka 2018 has officially inaugurated today at the Galle Yacht Marina of the Port of Galle. 

The event is the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, organised to showcase the countrys capabilities in recreational boating and yachting, nautical tourism, boat building and related services for export and local markets.

The first Vice President of the Republic of Burundi, Gaston Sindimwo and Jean Bosco Nutunzwenimana, Ministry of Transport, Public Works, Equipment and Territory Management visited the Boat Show on the invitation of the Prime Minister and graced the opening ceremony as the Guest of Honour.

The 6^th edition of the Boat Show and Boating Festival Sri Lanka 2018, organised by Boat Building Technology Improvement Institute Lanka (gte) Limited (BTI) and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board in association with Ministry of Development Strategies & International Trade, Ministry of Industry and Commerce and Ministry of Ports and Shipping (Sri Lanka Ports Authority) will be held at the Galle Yacht Marina, Port of Galle till 28^th October 2018. 

The key objective of this event is to provide a single platform for all related business sectors involved directly and indirectly in the boat and ship building industry and nautical tourism sector to display and promote their respective sectors for potential international and local clients by giving initiation for the leisure boating culture to the Sri Lanka. 

The total number of stalls in this year event is around 80. This figure includes 60 indoor stalls, 20 outdoor display slots. The Galle Yacht Marina, Port of Galle is used to berth vessels to be displayed and for water sports activities. 

The land area surrounding the marina will be used for exhibition of boating related other products including engines, electrical and electronic equipment, small boats, materials, fishing gear, propellers, academic services, training, repair and maintenance of boats and many more activities.

Following the success of the previous years; Boat Show and Boating festival 2018 attracts a large number of buyers and visitors, boating enthusiasts and industry professionals from countries such as India, Singapore, Seychelles, Maldives, South Korea, Belgium, Middle East, Germany, Holland, UK, Mauritius and Parkistan.

Floating Asia Magazine is the official magazine partner of South Asia's Largest Boat Show & Boating Festival. Floating Asia is an official publication developed by Highrise, targeted for Liveaboards of South Asia. Highrise has successfully continued the brand for past 14 years.

Highrise was formed in 2007 as a graphic design and event management company and quickly expanded into a full-fledged marketing firm operating from Male', Maldives & Colombo, Sri Lanka. Highrise offers comprehensive solutions and holistic approaches to challenges, which have made a significant difference to many well-established organisations.