Boatyard

At the BAFF Polymech Pvt Ltd boatyard at the free trade zone at Koggala (near Mirissa), there are no workers as November 20 is a public holiday. However Production Manager Chaminda Sanjeewa accompanied by Margaux Detry, Sail Lanka’s Marketing Executive and PR, explains to us the giant moulds being made to build yachts. The company has three orders from Thailand and New Zealand. Other than the fibre glass and engine which are imported, the rest of the boat is made from local material and according to international specifications. The 86-foot Ocean Diamond is also under construction with a model cabin already constructed for viewing by companies who may be interested in long term hire of the luxury sailing craft. Whenever a boat is built, the Galle Road has to be closed till the boat, which is generally the width of the entire road, is transported to the harbour.