The representatives from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations including the Deputy Director General Mr. Manuel Barange met the Minister of Fisheries Douglas Devananda on 2024-02-21 at the Ministry of Fisheries.
Expressing the views at the meeting the Minister stated that the draft of the new Act that has been prepared with the assistance of FAO to raise the local fishing community to an International level. The opinions and proposals of the Fisheries Organizations will be included in the final draft and then it will be submitted to the cabinet. Once the cabinet grants the approval Measures will be taken to present the act in the Parliament and to implement the Act once it is passed in the Parliament. The Minister thanked the FAO for its contribution to preparing the new Act.
Expressing further views, the Minister stated that he would be thankful to the FAO for its assistance and contribution to Developing the Fisheries Industry in Sri Lanka and to securing the
Post-harvest of Fish and to improve the food security in the country as well. The Minister pointed out that the assistance and instructions of FAO are needed for Aquatic culture, sea cucumber, and seaweeds are needed for the development of the Fishing Industry. The Minister also said that marine resources may diminish in the future, and requested the FAO to assist the fish culture in cages that is being carried out at the International level, especially the culture of fish such as Motha.
The Minister further pointed out that Sri Lankan fishermen are greatly affected by illegal fishing activities such as bottom Trawling carried out by Indian Fishermen, and requested the FAO to explore the possibilities of providing fuel relief to secure the livelihood of local fishermen, until our country gets rid of the prevailing economic crisis.
Explaining facts at the meeting, the Deputy Director General of FAO stated that their organization will consider all the requests made by the Minister, and their organization will provide the maximum aid and assistance to develop the fishing industry and the Fishing community in the country. The Director General thanked the Minister of Fisheries and the officials of the Department of Fisheries who had worked hard to prepare the draft Act. Secretary to the Ministry of Fisheries Miss. Nayana Kumari Somarathne, the Higher Officials of the Ministry of Fisheries, and the representatives of FAO including the Deputy Director General Mr. Manuel Barange attended this event.
