A group of experts who work in the Fisheries sector in collaboration with the Indian Government visited Sri Lanka on the initiative taken by the Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka. Accompanying the Indian Deputy High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Mr. Sathyanjal Pande, they met the Minister of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Fisheries Department, and the representatives of NARA and NAQDA Institutes on the 23rd of last month and discussed the matters pertaining to the development of fisheries sectors in Sri Lanka.
After the meeting, they engaged in an observation tour for more than one week in the 15 fisheries districts throughout the country and the Districts where the freshwater fishing industry is being carried out and submitted a report containing the data and the observations to Minister Douglas Devananda and to the other higher officials on 2023-10-02 at the Ministry of Fisheries.
They have submitted a detailed report containing the measures to be taken such as rearing fish in cages, setting up breeding centers, and developing shrimp and sea cucumber culture, in order to develop fish resources in Sri Lanka.
The representatives expressed further views regarding the Indian aid and assistance in establishing Artemia culture. In particular, they have requested to submit a required plan to develop the fishing industry in Trincomalee and Batticaloa districts in the Eastern Province. They expressed views regarding the signing of a memorandum of understanding between India and Sri Lanka in order to develop fish farming.
The representatives pointed out that a large amount of foreign exchange can be earned through the culture of ornamental fish and measures should be taken to develop ornamental fish farming as well.
Expressing views Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda stated that the observation made by a group of Indian Experts is extremely important and accordingly, he would take measures to prepare relevant projects on the basis of the observation report through the Department of Fisheries, NAQDA and NARA institutes and submit it to the Indian Government. At the meeting On behalf of the group of Indian Experts Dr. Bobly and Dr. Gowtham presented the report to the Minister.
State Minister of Fisheries Piyal Nishantha and a group of Higher Officials including the Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries Mrs. Indu Rathnayake, Deputy Indian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Mr. Sathyanjal
Pande, Director General of the Fisheries Department Mr. Susantha Kahawaththa, the Chairman of NARA Institute and the Director General of NAQDA Institute Dr. Mrs. Asoka attended this event.
