Fingerlings for Trinco tanks

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Fingerlings will be released to 100 tanks in theTrincomalee district to promote inland fisheries industry and uplift the livelihood of the fisheries community in the area, said Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Deputy Minister Susantha Punchinilame. The ministry will implement special projects to develop the ornamental fish industry in collaboration with the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), he said.

The deputy minister was addressing the opening ceremony of the 103rd Ceylon Fisheries Corporation (CFC) fish stall in Kantale, recently. Arrangements have been made to establish an industrial zone in Sampoor. Over 30,000 employment opportunities will be provided for youths, the deputy minister said.

The Fisheries Ministry will release fingerlings and prawns to tanks with the assistance of the NAQDA. The releasing of fingerlings worth around Rs.2.5 million will help earn over Rs.15 million to the fisheries community.

CFC will establish around 250 fish stalls in islandwide by 2013.