Plan to increase number of inland fisheries harbours

Ridma Dissanayake

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry has taken measures to increase the number of inland reservoirs, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said.

All measures have been taken by the Fisheries Ministry to increase the number of inland fisheries reservoirs to 8000 in year 2013. Inland tanks which are being used at present will also be repaired under this project,he added.

Minister Senaratne was speaking at a discussion which was held at the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry recently.

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry is making arrangements to hold All Island Fisheries Conference in Sri Lanka under the patronage of President Mahinda Rajapaksa at the end of this year, the Minister further added.

"If people consume more fish, it would help eradicate malnutrition. Providing fish at reasonable prices will help us achieve this goal. We must increase fish production," the Minister said.

The Cey-Nor Foundation will produce fish nets, fish hooks and fishing gear to help local fish producers.