Plans to increase fish export earnings

Plans have been formulated to increase the country's annual total earnings from fish exports from the present Rs 21 billion to Rs 50 billion by 2013, said Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne when he inaugurated work at his Ministry for the new year on Tuesday.

The Minister said it was in May last year that he assumed duties as the Fisheries Minister. The subsequent seven months was devoted to formulate the fisheries development plan from 2011 and beyond.

The people have already realized benefits from his efforts to provide fish at affordable prices to the consumers.

Although they could not be content with the present day fish prices it should be emphasized that price of fish had come down by 19.24 percent when prices of all other goods increased last year. Dr Senaratne said all efforts would also be directed in the new year towards improving the lot of the fishermen.

Nearly 400 new vessels will be added to the fishing fleet this year and the fisheries corporation marketing network will be increased to 250.

Deputy Minister Susantha Punchinilame, Ministry Secretary Dr Damitha de Zoysa and Lasitha Punchinilame were also present on the occasion.