With a heart full of pride and a touch of sorrow, I pen down this final editorial of oceanlust e-Magazine — a journey that has spanned more than five remarkable years. What began as a passionate idea, driven purely by love for the ocean and the will to make a difference, has now reached its destined shore.

From the very beginning, oceanlust was never about profit or sponsorship. It was a labor of love, built through sacrifice, dedication, and the unwavering support of a few loyal friends who believed in the same dream. We did not depend on large sponsors; instead, we moved forward with limited resources and boundless enthusiasm. The only sponsorship we ever received was from NDB Bank — a gesture made possible through the kind friendship of Dimantha and the gracious support of our founding editor, Cassandra Doole, whose commitment and encouragement remain deeply respected and remembered.

Throughout this journey, many individuals stood beside me with strength and sincerity. My heartfelt gratitude goes to all those who contributed in various ways — especially Admiral Ravi Wijegunaratne and Rear Admiral Nandana Jayaratne, whose faith and inspiration uplifted our work.
For our final issue, we take immense pride in featuring Admiral Travis Sinniah on the cover — a distinguished figure admired by the entire nation and deeply revered within the Sri Lanka Navy. His image symbolizes not only excellence and integrity but also the spirit of the ocean that oceanlust has always sought to celebrate.

Over the course of 20 issues, our magazine has proudly featured four Admirals and two Presidents — not in the spirit of politics, but in honor of their connection to the sea. We have never spoken of political matters; our focus has always been the geopolitics of the Indian ocean region— its mysteries, its power, and its boundless potential.

Today, the name oceanlust has become more than a magazine title — it is a recognized brand, registered as intellectual property, and known among those who share our passion. It is not two words, but one — oceanlust — a word that embodies our philosophy: “Excesive Passion for the Ocean.” We are now taking steps to include it as a single word in the Oxford Dictionary, to immortalize what it truly stands for.

Yet, oceanlust was never just about words on a page. It was a living movement. We organized beach cleanups, engaged in marine awareness programs, and linked hands with multiple environmental projects under the same banner. We will continue to use the oceanlust identity for such noble causes, even as the magazine itself reaches its conclusion.

As I write these final lines, I am filled with gratitude — to every writer, reader, contributor, and friend who shared this voyage with me. oceanlust has been a part of my soul, a reflection of our nation’s maritime spirit, and a tribute to the deep blue that connects us all.

Though this may be the final issue, the waves of oceanlust will forever echo in the hearts of those who believed in its purpose.

Thank you for being part of this journey. With respect, love, and farewell

Ayesh Indranath Ranawaka
Chief Editor,
oceanlust  e-Magazine