Inaugural IODA Summit anchors Sri Lanka’s bid for Indian Ocean diving hub

By Nishel Fernando

Sri Lanka is positioning to become a leading diving hub in the Indian Ocean region as it prepares to host the inaugural Indian Ocean Divers Association (IODA) Ocean Summit 2025. 

The landmark event, scheduled for June 7, at Colombo’s Cinnamon Grand, is a collaborative effort between IODA, a non-profit dedicated to marine conservation and responsible dive tourism, and the Chamber of Marine Industries Sri Lanka (CMISL).

The summit, strategically aligned with World Oceans Day, aims to foster regional collaboration for sustainable marine development and the preservation of vital biodiversity. It will bring together a diverse group of stakeholders including divers, ocean advocates, industry leaders, scientists, and tourism professionals from Sri Lanka, the Maldives, India, Southeast Asia, and beyond.

IODA Secretary Sanjiv Ranjan expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are setting the stage for something extraordinary at the IODA Ocean Summit 2025 in Colombo, right here in the heart of the Indian Ocean, in Sri Lanka.” He emphasised IODA’s mission to “connect, empower, and develop the dive industry across the Indian Ocean region,” identifying Sri Lanka as a “sleeping giant in the world of dive tourism.”

Ranjan highlighted Sri Lanka’s “vibrant marine biodiversity, ancient shipwrecks, and stunning untapped coastline” as some of the “most undervalued natural assets in the region.” He further noted, “Strategically located between renowned diving destinations and the thriving dive community of India, Sri Lanka has the unique potential to become a central diving hub in the Indian Ocean.”

Achieving this potential, according to Ranjan, “requires a clear vision, innovative ideas, and collaborative efforts, which is where IODA plays a crucial role.

“The summit in Colombo will convene leading business figures, diving pioneers, and marine economy strategists to foster a “stronger, more united, and more sustainable blue economy in the future.” IODA plans to strengthen its regional position by forging partnerships with destinations and associations from Africa and South Asia to the Indian Ocean islands, marking “the start of a new era of opportunity in ocean tourism.”

Discussions at the summit will center on critical topics such as sustainable tourism models, marine ecosystem conservation, eco-conscious business innovation, and advancements in diving technology. The event will feature high-level panels, expert presentations, and dedicated networking sessions designed to foster cross-border partnerships and develop actionable strategies.

An IODA spokesperson described the summit as a “rallying call for shared responsibility across Indian Ocean nations,” adding that “Colombo, at the heart of the region, embodies the potential of a thriving marine economy.”

Hosting this inaugural event is seen as a significant step for Sri Lanka, positioning the nation as a key player in marine sustainability and tourism. The collaboration underscores the vital role of the marine sector in the country’s economic revival, environmental stewardship, and youth employment. It is also anticipated that attendees will have the opportunity to explore Sri Lanka’s world-class diving sites, thereby boosting its visibility in the competitive global dive tourism market.

Furthermore, Sri Lanka has secured the hosting rights for the next two summits of the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).

The Chamber of Marine Industries Sri Lanka Chairman Indhra Kaushal Rajapaksa emphasised the timing fitting for the summit, noting the country’s strategic push to expand partnerships and innovation within the marine sector. Stakeholders are optimistic that the event will act as a catalyst for long-term growth in both conservation efforts and sustainable tourism across the Indian Ocean.

Pic by Nimalsiri Edirisighe