Government will encourage ornamental fish breeders - Minister

by Anjana Samarasinghe

Sri Lankan ornamental fish industry is highly professional and an integrated effort by the Government and the private sector could further develop the industry, said President of Ornamental Fish International Svein A.Fossa. He was speaking at the inauguration ceremony of Min Visithuru Sri Lanka-2005 exhibition of ornamental fish, Aquatic plants and accessories which commenced at the Sri Lanka Exhibition and Convention Center Colombo yesterday.

"Most Governments pay less attention to the ornamental fish industry. It seems the Sri Lankan government is keen on developing the industry. This is a challenging sector and we have noticed some active Sri Lankan exporters in the global market. Corporate sector and the government should come together for the development of the industry", Fossa said.

He said Sri Lankan rules and regulations on exporting ornamental fish should be flexible according to requirements of the exporters.

Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Chandrasena Wijesinghe said the exhibition will be a good opportunity for local ornamental fish industrialists to link with major international players in the sector. The Government will encourage these industrialists and attract more to the industry, he said.

One of the exhibitors representing the Sri Lanka specialised Ornamental Fish Breeders' Association said that they are happy to take part in Min Visithuru Sri Lanka -2005. He said most industrialists face many problems due to lack of technical support and suggest ed that there should be ornamental fish and aquatic complexes for the benefit of industrialists.

The ornamental fish industry in Sri Lanka earns substantial foreign exchange (Rs. 540 Million. in 2001) and has also provided jobs. However, this can be considered as modest compared with the opportunities available in a rapidly growing global market of over US$ 3 Billion for ornamental fish and related accessories in which the local share is negligible.

Therefore, this industry can expect to contribute more to Sri Lanka's economy than at present, by harnessing the vast and varied resources available in the country.