A special discussion was held at the Auditorium of the Ministry of Fisheries on 22nd of September with the aim of coordinating the fisheries activities implemented under the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources and Provincial Councils and increasing productivity at the national level.
The meeting, which was chaired by the Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Ramalingam Chandrasekar and Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage, was attended by the Secretary to the Ministry, Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, Provincial Chief Secretaries representing all Provincial Councils, heads of affiliated institutions of the Ministry and senior officials.
Speaking at the event, Minister Ramalingam Chandrasekar pointed out that the lack of coordination between the central government and the provincial councils is leading to wastage of resources and inefficiency in projects.
During the discussion, the importance of minimizing the gap between the central government and the provincial authorities, preventing wastage of resources, and working with transparency was emphasized. Accordingly, it was agreed to prepare joint business plans for reservoirs in collaboration with the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA) and provincial ministries and to implement a sustainable program to release freshwater fish stocks to become self-sufficient.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister Rathna Gamage said, "We all need to join hands in this journey, regardless of whether it is the provincial council or the central government. This joint program is essential to manage resources effectively and boost the fishery industry, especially the inland fisheries industry. The fisheries industry has a major role to play in building our productive economy as a country. Through this joint plan, we will have the opportunity to use the funds allocated by the central government and provincial councils more effectively."
It was also decided to prepare a joint operational plan for the year 2026, and the ministry intends to create a new awakening in the fisheries industry in this country through this joint approach.
