A preliminary discussion on a new project to be implemented under the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and China South-South Cooperation Programme was held today (14) at the Ministry Auditorium under the patronage of Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources.

The project, titled “Promoting Sustainable Aquaculture Production through Improved Aquatic Organism Health Management and Practices,” is scheduled to be implemented over a three-year period beginning in 2027. A financial allocation of US$2 million (over Rs. 600 million) has been made for the initiative. In addition to Sri Lanka, Tanzania is also a partner country in the cooperation programme.

Delivering the inaugural address, Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa emphasized that Sri Lanka’s aquaculture sector should move beyond increasing production and evolve into a scientifically driven, healthy, and environmentally sustainable industry.

“In the past, we experienced significant production losses and missed export opportunities due to the spread of diseases, particularly in the shrimp industry. To address this challenge, we need a comprehensive national policy and a digital disease reporting system. The services and technical expertise available through our advanced laboratory system in Batthulu Oya must be extended directly to producers,” the Secretary said.

The project focuses on four main areas:

1. Digitalization: Establishing an integrated digital platform for paperless land registration, disease reporting, and production data monitoring.
2. Early Warning: Developing a system that provides producers with timely information on climate change, floods, and changes in water quality.
3. Biosecurity: Introducing affordable, practical, and effective biosecurity measures for small-scale aquaculture producers.
4. International Knowledge Exchange: Facilitating the sharing of expertise, technologies, and best practices from countries with advanced aquaculture sectors, such as China, among local researchers and government officials.

The event was attended by Dr. Xinhua Yuan, Deputy Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Division at FAO Headquarters, representatives from the University of Peradeniya, the Department of Animal Production and Health (DAPH), the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), the National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA), as well as a team of international technical experts from FAO and China.