Fisheries Minister Mr. Douglas Devananda instructed the officials to take necessary measures to completely stop the illegal fishing activities such as those using light courses, cache nets etc. carried out by fishermen using the ocean in this country.
In this discussion, the Minister's attention was drawn to the fact that the owners of ice plants have decided to increase the price of ice consequent to the increase in electricity and water charges, which may cause to increase the price of fish.
The Minister in his comments said that he expects to visit the Eastern Province in the next few days and will investigate the illegal fishing activities in that province. Also, the minister further stated that he hopes to visit the places where aquaculture is carried out and that he will work towards providing necessary solutions to overcome the obstacles lying in the way to sustaining aquaculture.
Associated with this occasion was a group of officials from the Ministry including Ms. Indu Ratnayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries.