Vision
Sustainable Aquatic Wealth
Sri Lanka to be the leader of conservation and sustainable utilization of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the South Asian Region.
National Fisheries Sector Strategy
Ministry Overview
Serving the fisheries sector and the nation
Fishing has a long tradition in Sri Lanka spanning over two thousand years. From traditional coastal livelihoods to a multibillion-rupee modern industry, the Ministry provides leadership, regulatory oversight, and sustainable development.
Historical Legacy & Sector Evolution
Marine fishing has gradually developed from a traditional coastal livelihood activity to a multibillion-rupee industry since Sri Lanka obtained independence in 1948. Inland fishing and aquaculture are recent developments over the last 75 years, with coastal shrimp farming commencing in the 1980s and marine aquaculture expanding rapidly since 2010.
Economic Impact & Resource Base
The sector contributes around 1.4% to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP), providing direct and indirect employment to approximately 575,000 individuals (3.7% of the nation's workforce). Annual fish production exceeds 530,000 metric tons valued at over USD 1.3 Billion, with export earnings topping USD 250 Million annually.
Local production currently satisfies 65% of national fish consumption. The Ministry is committed to fulfilling 100% of national consumption from local fisheries and sustainable aquaculture while expanding export revenues.
517,000
Sq km EEZ Zone
575,000
Active Workforce
530,000
MT Annual Yield
$250M+
Export Earnings
Strategic Mandate
Key Public Pillars
01
National fisheries development
Supporting the responsible development of fisheries, aquaculture and related economic activities.
02
Community-focused public services
Improving access to information, services and institutional support for fisheries communities.
03
Responsible resource management
Promoting the sustainable use, conservation and protection of aquatic and ocean resources.
National Protein & Economic Security
Ensuring sustainable marine conservation while supplying nutritious food to Sri Lanka.
Our Direction
Vision and Mission
Guiding Sri Lanka's fisheries and ocean sector toward sustainable growth and community prosperity.
Mission
Empowered Fishing Communities
Managing the utilization of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources for the benefit of the present and future generation.
National Fisheries Sector Strategy
Policy Objectives
Objectives of the Sector Policy
The Government envisages achieving the following objectives from implementation of the new Policy in the fisheries and aquaculture sector.
01
Sustainable management of resources using science-based information
Strategic Objective
02
Compliance with regional and international obligations
Strategic Objective
03
Increased marine fisheries production
Strategic Objective
04
Increased aquaculture and inland fisheries production
Strategic Objective
05
Minimized post-harvest losses and increased value addition
Strategic Objective
06
Increased per capita consumption of fish
Strategic Objective
07
Increased export earnings
Strategic Objective
08
Improved opportunities for leisure, employment and enterprises development
Strategic Objective
09
Improved socio-economic activities of the fisher community
Strategic Objective
Our journey
Ministry history and development
Key historical milestones shaping Sri Lanka's fisheries and ocean resources management.
1948
Post-Independence Foundation
Marine fishing gradually developed from a traditional coastal livelihood activity to a structured economic sector following national independence.
Historical milestone1980
Aquaculture Expansion
Coastal shrimp farming commenced in the 1980s, creating major export pathways and expanding coastal fisheries employment.
Historical milestone1996
Statutory Framework Establishment
Passage of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Act No. 2 of 1996, establishing modern management, conservation, and regulatory licensing.
Historical milestone2010
Marine Aquaculture Modernization
Rapid expansion of marine finfish farming, sea cucumber culture, seaweed farming, and advanced fish health diagnostic facilities.
Historical milestone2026
Digital Transformation & Blue Economy
Comprehensive digitization, modern satellite vessel tracking (VMS), online licensing, and sustainable national protein security mandate.
Historical milestone