On this 2025 Christmas season, Sail Lanka had the pleasure of collaborating with the Sri Lankan television network “Swarnawahini” on their Christmas programme, “Hada Bendi Naththala” (හද බැඳි නත්තල). The initiative brought a group of schoolchildren from Madolsima : a village in Sri Lanka’s Uva Province, to Colombo for a carefully curated day built around discovery, shared moments and a sharing of a different perspective on the island. For many of these children, travelling to the capital was already something new and the opportunity of seeing Colombo from the ocean from a catamaran added an unaccessible dimension for those living far from the coast. The experience was designed to be both joyful and structured, combining a scenic cruise with good food, entertainment, performances and educational exposure to the city.
The day was made possible with the support of Sail Lanka’s General Manager, alongside the Sail Lanka team, captains and crew members aboard the catamarans Pearl and Sapphire, built by Ocean Voyager, SLYG’s boatbuilding company. Their coordination ensured the experience ran smoothly, safely, and with the level of care such a day with children requires. Beyond the event itself, initiatives like this reflect the wider story of Sea Leisure Yachting Group. The group brings together several activities within one ecosystem: Sail Lanka for on-water experiences, Ocean Voyager for boatbuilding, and the BAFF Foundation for training and social impact. In that context, this collaboration represents more than a seasonal moment. It highlights a simple idea that runs through the group: using maritime activity to create local value, share access, and support opportunities for the next generation. Since its early days, the group has aimed to grow maritime activity in Sri Lanka in a way that remains locally anchored, skills driven and connected to real impact. In that sense, this collaboration was not about turning the sea into a spectacle. It was about using what we do every day, operationally and professionally, to open perspectives and support experiences that carry meaning beyond tourism or entertainment.
Finally, the “Hada Bendi Naththala” programme was broadcast on Christmas Day, sharing this story with audiences across the country. For Sail Lanka, it was also a reminder that the sea can be a meeting point and a space where joy, curiosity and opportunity can exist side by side, when the right people come together to make it happen.
