At the discussion with the representatives of Sri Lanka Aquatic Culture Development Association held on 11-08-2023 at the Fisheries Ministry, the Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda stated that all the necessary state support will be provided to develop the prawn industry which brings the highest foreign exchange income to the country next to Tea, rubber, and coconut that are the major export crops. The officials of NAQDA, NARA, and the Fisheries Department attended this discussion.
The minister responded promptly to the request made by the representatives of Sri Lanka Aquaculture Development Association to find remedies by conducting research at NARA and NAQDA institutions in order to face the fungus and parasite issue that affected the prawn culture and decreased the targeted harvest for export which is 50000 metric tons this year. Accordingly, the minister instructed the NAQDA Institute to provide some of the research equipment which they have imported to the NARA Institute until they receive the ordered equipment.
The minister stated that it is very important to protect our prawn culture since Sri Lankan Prawns has a high demand than other Countries’ prawn. Due to this reason, there might be international conspiracies to destroy the Prawn Culture in Sri Lanka and pointed out that we must be vigilant and prepared to face any such situation. Expressing further views the minister stated that after destroying the fungus and parasites it may affect again and requested the officials of NAQDA and NARA to be on alert in this regard. The minister added that he would discuss with the President and take the decision to exempt the tax imposed for the imported prawn feed. Former State Minister of Fisheries and the current state minister of Water Supply Sanath Nishantha too attended the discussion and expressed views. The state minister elaborated on the facts he gained when he was the Minister of Fisheries in the North-Western Provincial Council. He requested the minister to take action to clean the drainage system between the Chilaw Lagoon and the Prawn Culture Zone located in the prawn culture Zone between Chilaw and Puttalam. The state minister further requested the fisheries minister to draw the attention of the officials of his ministry to develop the Dutch Canal which runs through this Zone.
The Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries Mrs. Indu Rathnayake, the Chairman of NAQDA Institute Dr. Jayantha Wijerathna, the Director General Mrs. Ashoka, and the officials from NARA Institute attended the discussion.
