Fisheries Ministry to reduce fish prices

Ramani KANGARAARACHCHI

The Fisheries Ministry will take measures to reduce fish prices islandwide by increasing production. Fisheries Ministry Secretary Dr Damitha de Zoysa told Daily News Business that the Ministry has taken several steps to develop the industry through the development of the North and the East.

Dr. de Zoysa said a team of dedicated officers have been mobilized in the North and the East areas to implement strategies and the Ministry is very positive that it can turn around everything making a huge impact. She said the ice plants in Mullaitivu will be renovated improving the livelihood standards of the people in Mullativu, Killinochchi and Mannar.

One hundred multi day vessels will be deployed with financial assistance from the Bank of Ceylon. New technology will be used to catch more fish in the deep sea and to handle fish in crates. The largest state-of-the-Art new fish market in the Asian region at Peliyagoda will be opened in the near future. It has 148 wholesale stalls and 120 retail stalls. The St. John's Fish market will be relocated there, she said.