Orders for immediate damage assessment; Plans to introduce new broodstock and loan schemes
Deputy Minister of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, Hon. Rathna Gamage, along with senior officials of the Ministry, undertook an inspection tour of the Pannala area on 03rd of December to assess the serious damage caused to the ornamental fish industry, which is a major foreign exchange earner for Sri Lanka, due to the recent floods.
Deputy Minister, along with Secretary to the Ministry Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa and Mr. Kithsiri Dharmapriya, Chairman of the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), inspected several major export centers that were submerged in water to a depth of 8 to 12 feet. Many of these businesses have faced a loss in millions, and fish stocks prepared for export have also been completely destroyed. According to initial estimates, over 1000 producers, including 10 major exporters, who account for more than 50% of the export orders of the country, centered in the Pannala and Giriulla areas have been severely affected.
Despite this devastating situation, the determination of entrepreneurs to clear the debris and resume export activities to protect their market share was particularly commended by the Deputy Minister.
Addressing the affected businessmen, Deputy Minister Gamage pledged the government's unwavering support to rebuild the industry.
"The ornamental fish industry is a vital industry that sustains the livelihood of thousands of people and earns dollars for the country. The government is fully committed to rebuild you," the Deputy Minister assured.
Key recovery strategies discussed during the observation tour:
Immediate damage assessment: Officials were directed to conduct an official damage assessment and report to the ministry to provide targeted relief.
Financial assistance: To explore the introduction of a special low-interest loan scheme with a grace period to provide immediate committee capital.
Obtaining new broodstock: It is scheduled to initiate discussions by the Secretary to the ministry at the embassy level to enable producers to restart their breeding programs with new varieties, and to obtain new high-quality broodstock from countries such as Indonesia and Thailand.
The Deputy Minister assured entrepreneurs that the government will provide all possible support to revive their businesses and strengthen the ornamental fish export industry of Sri Lanka.
