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Sri Lanka's leading economic contributor within two
years:
Fisheries industry to be fully developed - Minister Senaratne
Ridma DISSANAYAKE
The fisheries industry will become the leading contributor to the Sri
Lankan economy within the next two years. It has been projected to
provide about a 24 percent contribution to the country's economy by the
end of this year and a 50 percent contribution to the economy by 2013,
Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha
Senaratne said.
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Minister Dr
Rajitha Senaratne. |
The minister said that measures are in place to complete
infrastructure and other facilities of fisheries harbours, anchorages
and fish landing centres with the aim of achieving international
standards.
"Construction of fisheries harbours, anchorages and fish landing
centres along the coastal areas, which are essential to Sri Lanka's
fisheries industry development will be completed by the end of 2013," he
said.
The minister said that arrangements are underway to complete the
construction of the Mannar and Gandara fisheries harbours. He said that
these projects will be completed by next year.
Minister Senaratne explained that according to planned constructions,
fisheries harbours, anchorages, and fish landing centres in the Northern
province will be completed by the end of this year.
The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry will also
build another six new fisheries harbours, including the Dodanduwa
fisheries harbour soon.
"With the end of the war, fishing activities in the North have
increased tremendously. The daily catch includes large prawns and crabs
in addition to various varieties of fish," the minister said.
He said these bring fishermen a good daily income. "The fisheries
sector is Sri Lanka's third most important contributor to the economic
growth. It is second only to agriculture and tourism." |
