In line with Deyata Kirula :

Vast development in Anuradhapura

Ridma Dissanayake

Vast development is taking place in the Anuradhapura district due to Deyata Kirula 2012 exhibition and trade fair. Several ministries and other government institutions will hold a number of mobile services.

'All these activities are helping to fulfill certain needs and wants of the residents in the district as well, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said.

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry has launched several programmes along with the National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), to uplift the fishery community's livelihoods in Anuradhapura aiming to increase the inland fresh water fish cultivation and increasing the fish harvest as well.

Accordingly, the ministry has distributed boats, fishing nets and other equipment which are essential in the inland fishery industry to the fishermen in the Anuradhapura district.

A ceremony was held at the Aquaculture Centre in Anuradhapura recently, under the patronage of Minister Senaratne to distribute the items.

The government has spent over Rs.10 million to provide the equipment and they have also provided a bowser to distribute fingerlings as well. "During the previous year, there had been an inland fish harvest of 50,000 metric tons and all measures are in place to increase this up to 92,000 metric tons.

We have recorded the largest fish harvest last year and I request you to develop the fish industry without using illegal vessels and equipment", the minister said. North Central Province Chief Minister Berty Premalal Dissanayake and NAQDA Chairman Jayantha Chandrasoma also participated.