His Excellency, the President Ranil Wickremesinghe has appointed an expert committee headed by the engineer Mr. Mangala P.B.Yapa with the aims of presenting targeted recommendations for transforming Sri Lanka's fishing industry into a major contributor to the national economy while ensuring sustainability in accordance with blue economy principles.
The engineer, Mr.Mangala P.B.Yapa who is the former chairman of the Investment Board has been appointed as the chairman of this committee.
The senior scientist of Nara Institute, Ms.K.H. Bandaranaike has been appointed as the secretary of this expert committee and 13 experts from various fields including Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Fisheries, Mr.Dhammika Ranatunga, Mr.Susantha Kahawatta, Director General of NAQDA Institute, Ms. J. M. Asoka, Director General of Nara Institute, Mr.Kamal Thennakoon have been appointed to this committee. The entry to the fisheries strategy (Fisheries strategy frame) which has a high impact on the national economy, was drafted by this committee at the Ministry of Fisheries, and presented the draft to the Minister of Fisheries, Mr. Douglas Devananda on 04.07.2023.
Introducing this draft to the Minister of Fisheries, Chairman of the Expert Committee Mr. Mangala P. B.Yapa said that the fisheries sector makes a significant contribution to ensure the livelihood and food security of Sri Lanka, and 50% of the animal protein requirements of Sri Lankans are obtained from fish. That value is three times higher than the global average. However, the fisheries sector currently contributes moderately to the national economy. The fish harvest that is obtained fails to meet the requirement of the total national consumption of the fish and fishery products.
Thus, approximately US$70 million worth of imports are required, and US$300 million in revenue is generated through exports, primarily targeting limited markets such as the European Union and selected countries in the Far East. Although there are benefits from the European Union's General Selective System (GSP+) scheme, as proven by past experience, there is a risk of reduced benefits if GSP+ is suspended. A large number of people who adhere to traditional and conservative fishing practices are engaged in that field, but their living conditions are not good either. A large number of small, undeveloped, and fiberglass (glass-reinforced plastic) (GRP) boats are used in the ocean fishing industry.
The 24 fishing ports located around the coast are under the ownership and management of the government, but these ports lack the necessary modern technology facilities to meet the strict quality standards, especially suitable sanitary conditions for the export market.
Although there is some active operations in the fields of aquaculture, tuna processing for export and deep-sea fishing, private investment in this sector remains minimal. In addition, many resources have been overexploited and the sustainability of the marine ecosystem has become a serious challenge in accordance with the national responsibilities to be fulfilled by the regional organizations. Overall, this sector is in a precarious situation and if no strong intervention is made, its continued existence will be in question.
Addressing the expert committee, Fisheries Minister Douglas Devananda said that Mr. Ranil Wickremesinghe, is a man who has a clear vision for the development. He took over the country at a time when this country was hit by a serious economic and social crisis. He has turned the country into a better country, which was previously like an ice box and a vehicle without turning wheels. The minister further stated that this committee, which has been appointed to bring the fisheries industry which can bring big investors to the country while preserving our food security to an international level has to complete its task expeditiously and ensure sustainability in accordance with blue economy principles and transform Sri Lanka's fishing industry into a major contributor to national economic growth, contributing 1.6% to the GDP by the year 2030 (at 2015 constant market prices), and it was also stated that they believe that they will provide the necessary guidance to grow as an industry that earns an annual export income of 1 billion dollars.
A group of officials including the Secretary of the Ministry, Ms. Nayana Kumari Somaratne, Additional Secretary to the President, Ms. Chandani Wijewardena, participated in this event.
