Over 250 CFC fish stalls to come up

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The 100th fish stall of Ceylon Fisheries Corporation (CFC) will be established in Gampaha. The CFC plans to establish 250 fish stalls around the country before the end of this year spending Rs 1.2 million for each stall, said Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne.

"Fish prices have reduced by 20 to 40 percent with the introduction of CFC fish stalls islandwide under the guidance of the Fisheries Ministry. The CFC will set up fish stalls in Sathosa outlets as a large number of customers visit them daily. They earn an income of Rs 400,000 per day," he added. According to the minister, fish cultivation had increased by over 5,000 metric tons this year, compared to last year. Small fish cultivation had also increased due to the banning of illegal vessels and equipment in the fisheries sector, he said.

"All these rules and regulations are for the betterment of the fisheries industry. There is a vast development in the fisheries sector. We should indulge in the industry according to international laws and regulations as well," the minister said.

"We have planned three canned fish factories and hope to establish more canned fish factories. We also hope to produce around 45,000 cans of fish daily from these factories," he added.