The government is currently taking steps to increase domestic production as a solution to the country's dollar crisis.
Mr. Douglas Devananda, Minister of Fisheries, said that especially the people of the North-East region are very accustomed to sea leech cultivation, and through this, sea leech cultivation can be promoted as a major pathway of bringing foreign exchange to the country.
Sea leech growers at Kiranchi area in Kilinochchi had title deeds issued to them on 01.08.2023.
The Minister further commented that the fishery industry occupies a special place as a majour pathway of earning foreign exchange to the country and it is his aim to expand aquaculture to increase exports by developing it further and all the agencies of the Ministry of Fisheries should work together to achieve this.
Besides sea leeches, by the development of aquaculture and shrimp farming in the interior of the country, this industry can be made into a major pathway of income for the country and it is his expectation to contribute to the national income of the country through proper implementation of this industry. He also said that the rights obtained for the cultivation of sea leeches will contribute to the national economy by way of profits.
A group of officials from the Northern Province attached to the Department of Fisheries and the Aquaculture Authority attended this occasion.
