A special discussion on obtaining technical cooperation to rebuild Sri Lanka’s fisheries and aquaculture sector, which was hit by the recent disaster, was held between Dr. B. K. Kolitha Kamal Jinadasa, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries, Aquatic and Ocean Resources, and Ms. Trinh Thi Tam, Ambassador of Vietnam to Sri Lanka, at the Ministry premises on 16th of January 2026.
At the beginning of the discussion, the Ambassador expressed the deep regret of Vietnam Government over the damage caused to fisheries sector and the public of Sri Lanka due to the recent Cyclone Ditwah. She also emphasized the importance of the two countries working together to address the climate change.
Speaking at the event, the Secretary to the Ministry, Dr. Jinadasa, requested the assistance in obtaining high-quality broodstock to rebuild the ornamental fish industry which is damaged by the disaster. The Ambassador, who responded favorably, agreed to provide the advanced technical knowledge and support of Vietnam, which holds a large share of the ornamental fish industry in the world market.
Furthermore, Vietnam expressed its willingness to share SPF Monodon shrimp hatchery techniques for the progress of the shrimp industry and provide the necessary technical expertise for that. It was also decided to update the existing Memorandum of Understanding on Fisheries Cooperation between the two countries to formalize these technical exchanges.
Attention was also drawn to involving Vietnamese investors in the fisheries sector in Sri Lanka through state-level programs. Specially, discussions were held on reducing production costs by directly obtaining Toray yarn and twines required by North Sea without intermediaries.
The Ambassador further assured that these proposals would be implemented expeditiously in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Vietnam.
