Polonnaruwa fish breeding centre back to State ownership

Shirley Wijesinghe

The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources is to take over the Polonnaruwa fresh water fish breeding centre back to State ownership which has been leased to a private company since 1992.

Minister Felix Perera held a special discussion with Export Development and International Trade Minister G.L. Peiris and Agriculture and Agrarian Services Minister Maithripala Sirisena at his Ministry last Friday.

The Polonnaruwa Fresh Water Breeding Center with 50 fish breeding ponds had been given out on a 33 year lease to a private company.

According to Ministry sources, a decision has been taken over the management of the Polonnaruwa Fresh Water Fish Breeding Centre under the direct supervision of the National Aquatic Resources Development Authority( NAQUDA) and Sri Lanka Export Development Board(EDB).

Matters relating to a longtime plan to develop fresh water ornamental fish breeding activities in the Polonnaruwa area were also discussed. NAQUDA Chairman Jude Fernando and EDB Chairman Anil Koswatte were also present.