Ornamental fish farming industry and aquatic plants are considered to be of prime importance among the sources of foreign exchange avenues to Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Fisheries and National Aquaculture Development Authority are planning to increase the number of farmers who tend to take on this industry.
Minister of Fisheries, Douglas Devananda made an observation tour on 30.04.2023 in Homagama and Padukka areas in Kelani Valley Region to look into the technical and infrastructure facilities required for the industrialists. Parliamentarian, Mr. Yadamini Gunawardhana also joined in the tour.
Ornamental fish and aquatic plant industrialists pointed out to the Minister that they are in dire straits in running their industry due to fish meal prices and prices of accessories being very high. They also said that the influx of foreign exchange into the country can be further increased and some practical solution to the unemployment problem of a large number of people in the area, if some concession is given with the intervention of the government.
The Minister commenting further said that the Prime Minister, who represents this area, has very well understood the problems the people in the area are facing and he came to observe these farming sites on the instructions of the Prime Minister. He also said that the Ministry as well as National Aquaculture Development Authority are making constant efforts to provide facilities to earn more and more foreign exchange for the country and he would discuss with the Prime Minister and take steps to bring down the prices of fish meal and instruments used for fish ponds.
The Secretary to the Ministry, Ms. Indu Rathnayake, the Chairman and Director General of National Aquaculture Development Authority, Coordinating Secretary to the Prime Minister were among those who were associated with this occasion.
