To mark the Sri Lankan New Year, two rescue boats were delivered by HAVN to the Sri Lanka Life Saving Association to support their work along the coast.
This initiative was carried out by Gammadda, with support from the Minderoo Foundation. HAVN, part of Sea Leisure Yachting Group, designed and built the two rigid inflatable boats (RIBs).
The project responds to a need identified during the floods in November and December, when access to certain areas proved difficult. As explained by Gammadda’s leader, “there was an abject lack of rescue boats to reach the communities that needed saving, and to deliver relief.”
From that observation, the objective was clear: invest in equipment that can make a real difference on the ground. “Any number of these boats would eventually lead to the saving of lives.”
The Sri Lanka Life Saving Association plays a key role in keeping people safe in and around the water. Their teams focus on prevention, rescue operations, and awareness, relying on trained volunteers along the coast. In this context, these boats will support daily operations, especially in areas that are harder to reach from shore, where response time is critical.
Rigid inflatable boats are well-suited for this type of work. Their speed, stability, and ease of handling allow teams to operate efficiently in coastal conditions and respond when needed.
There is also a strong local dimension to this project. The boats and equipment were designed and built in Sri Lanka. As highlighted during the announcement, it is “a proud moment to serve communities with equipment that is made in Sri Lanka.”
This contribution remains practical. It strengthens the capacity of rescue teams on the ground and supports their ability to respond when it matters most.