Government of Sri Lanka
Ministry Overview
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.
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.
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
Supporting the responsible development of fisheries, aquaculture and related economic activities.
Improving access to information, services and institutional support for fisheries communities.
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
To be the leading contributor to the national economy through sustainable utilization and conservation of fisheries and ocean resources, ensuring nutritional security, enhanced livelihoods for fishing communities, and world-class aquatic stewardship.
Providing regulatory leadership, technological adoption, high-yield aquaculture, and social security for fishing communities while preserving marine ecosystems through evidence-based policies and transparent institutional governance.
Policy Objectives
Sustainable management of resources using science-based information.
Compliance with regional and international obligations.
Increased marine fisheries production across territorial waters.
Increased aquaculture and inland fisheries production.
Minimized post-harvest losses and increased value addition.
Increased export earnings through premium seafood production.
Increased per capita consumption of fish nationwide.
Improved opportunities for leisure, employment and enterprises development.
Improved socio-economic activities of the fisher community.
Our journey
Foundation
Add the officially verified establishment history and early institutional milestones of the Ministry.
Sector growth
Add confirmed developments related to fisheries administration, aquaculture, research and community services.
Present
The Ministry continues to coordinate public services, policies and institutional activities across the sector.
Future
Strengthening accessible digital services, institutional coordination and responsible resource management.
Government of Sri Lanka
Ministry Overview
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.
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.
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
Supporting the responsible development of fisheries, aquaculture and related economic activities.
Improving access to information, services and institutional support for fisheries communities.
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
To be the leading contributor to the national economy through sustainable utilization and conservation of fisheries and ocean resources, ensuring nutritional security, enhanced livelihoods for fishing communities, and world-class aquatic stewardship.
Providing regulatory leadership, technological adoption, high-yield aquaculture, and social security for fishing communities while preserving marine ecosystems through evidence-based policies and transparent institutional governance.
Policy Objectives
Sustainable management of resources using science-based information.
Compliance with regional and international obligations.
Increased marine fisheries production across territorial waters.
Increased aquaculture and inland fisheries production.
Minimized post-harvest losses and increased value addition.
Increased export earnings through premium seafood production.
Increased per capita consumption of fish nationwide.
Improved opportunities for leisure, employment and enterprises development.
Improved socio-economic activities of the fisher community.
Our journey
Foundation
Add the officially verified establishment history and early institutional milestones of the Ministry.
Sector growth
Add confirmed developments related to fisheries administration, aquaculture, research and community services.
Present
The Ministry continues to coordinate public services, policies and institutional activities across the sector.
Future
Strengthening accessible digital services, institutional coordination and responsible resource management.
