Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar, announced at a special media briefing held on 15th of September that steps will be taken to ban the import, possession, breeding and sale of four invasive foreign fish species that pose a serious threat to the country's local aquatic ecosystem and indigenous fish resources.
The Secretary to the Ministry, Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, the Chairman of the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), Kithsiri Dharmapriya, the Director General of the Department of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Susantha Kahawatte, and the Chief Patron of the Angiling Community Sport Fishing Association, Mr. Prasanna Priyakelum Wickramaratne were also present on this occasion.
Addressing the media conference, Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar emphasized that:
"One of the main responsibilities of our government is to protect unique aquatic ecosystems and local fish resources of Sri Lanka. At the same time, our aim is to strengthen the ornamental fish industry, which brings in foreign exchange for the country. By managing both these sectors in a balanced manner, we have decided to ban invasive fish species that harm the environment. This is not a step taken against the ornamental fish industry at all, but a decision taken to take it forward sustainably. Even a massive program is being launched with the participation of the community to control the invasive fish population spreading in the Deduru Oya."
Explaining the scientific background behind the Minister's decision, Secretary to the Ministry Dr. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa said that strict rules will be imposed on the following fish species:
Piranha species
Knife Fish
Alligator Gar
Redline Snakehead/Giant Snakehead
It is specially emphasized that the Gazette notification containing these new orders is scheduled to be published on next Saturday (20th September).
* Special notice and procedure for those who are currently raising these fish*
Chairman of the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA ), Kithsiri Dharmapriya explained the humanitarian and practical system which has been currently arranged for these aquarists, as instructed by the Minister :
"We strongly urge you not to get panic and release your fish into natural water systems with the news of the new rules are scheduled to be implemented. Instead, report about your fish immediately to the National Aquaculture Development Authority ( NAQDA). We will assist in the management of those fish through the following methods:"
*Directing for export:* Making connections with exporters and provide opportunities to export fish to foreign countries before the law comes into effect.
* Handover to the Authority:* If there is no opportunity for export, the fish can be handed over to NAQDA. The fish that were handed over by them will not be destroyed, but necessary care will be given for these species of fish in appropriate places such as authorized showrooms, until the end of their natural life span.
* Retention under special permits:* In very limited circumstances, it is explored the possibility of issuing a permit, subject to regulation, for individuals who wish to keep these fish further as a hobby.
"We will help you to leave from these lovingly raised animals without harming you or the country. Therefore, we again request you not to panic and inform us," he added.
*' Deduru Oya Fishing Tournament 2025' Conservation Operation*
With the aim of controlling the ' Giant Snakehead ' fish population, which has already spread widely in the Deduru Oya reservoir in a short period of two years, a special fishing competition and conservation program called the "Deduru Oya Fishing Tournament 2025" has been organized on Saturday, 20th of September. This program is organized under the full guidance of the Ministry of Fisheries, with the direct participation of the 'Angling Community Sport Fishing Club' and fishing societies in the area.
Priyakelumi Wickramaratne, Chief Patron of the Angling Community Sport Fishing Association, said that they believe that a large number of fish can be removed from the environment in one day through this competitive event. In addition to removing invasive fish from the environment and raising public awareness, even an special program is being implemented to empower the fishing community in the area. Accordingly, the cash prizes of the competition are open to everyone, and as a special incentive reserved for the fishing community around Deduru Oya, the ' Angling Community ' Association and its sponsors have taken steps to donate a stock of valuable fishing equipment including 15 Fishing Rods and 03 Reels.
