Eight export development zones islandwide

Walter Liyanarachchi

The Export Development and International Trade Ministry has taken initiatives to demarcate eight zones in the country to set up 25 export development villages to enhance the income level at the grassroot level.

Under this program, the Polonnaruwa project had already got off the ground with the initiative of the Export Development and International Trade Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris.

He was addressing a meeting of the District Development Council at the Divisional Secretary's office at Polonnaruwa presided over by Agricultural Development and Agrarian Services Minister Maithripala Sirisena.

The Ministry has decided that the export promotion initiative should be in the field of aquarium fish as the water and climatic conditions in the District are particularly suiting the industry.

The preliminary arrangements are in place supporting this lucrative industry which would bring more income to the farmers, said Minister Prof. Peiris.

Minister Peiris said 50 farmers have been provided Rs. 50,000 each to enhance the production.

The Export Development Board has supported 25 farmers directly and the other farmers had received assistance from development funds given by the Government of the Netherlands through the National Chamber of Commerce.

Minister Maithripala Sirisena said that the export oriented industry has assumed a heightened significance in the context of Sri Lanka's economy as a lever for mitigating the adverse consequences of the global economic meltdown.

He welcomed the initiatives of the Ministry of Export Development and International Trade as a practical program for ensuring that the benefits of economic development are not confined to Colombo and its environs but are enjoyed in full measure by all regions of the country.

He said that he found especially valuable the identification of specific activities suitable for the different districts of the country.

A noteworthy feature of the event was the participation of the private sector consisting of the Mahaweli Ornamental Fish Growers' Association and the Polonnaruwa District Ornamental Fish Growers' Association.

Minister Maithripala Sirisena commented that the program relied for its effectiveness on vigorous collaboration among Government departments, the National Aquaculture Development Authority, the provincial bureaucracy and the private sector.