Fisheries industry moves with the times

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

Sri Lanka has enough ocean resource and inland water resource to develop the fisheries industry, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr.Rajitha Senaratne said.

Minister Dr.Rajitha Senaratne

"The fisheries industry became the third most important sector of the country's economy for the first time in Sri Lankan history.

Measures are to be taken to develop the industry. It will contribute to the country's economy and tourism industry too," the minister said. "The fisheries industry will be developed by introducing modern equipment and technology to sea water and inland water fisheries sectors.

A Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) and Fish Finder System will be introduced to fishermen", Minister Senaratne said.

The Minister was speaking at the opening of a Fisheries Community Hall at Moragolla, Beruwela.

The International Funds for Agricultural Development (IFAD) project and the Post Tsunami Coastal Rehabilitation and Resource Management programme funded the Community Hall. The project cost Rs.2.5 million.

"The country has an economic zone of 200 naval miles. Nearly 517,000 hectares around the country and 303,000 hectares in the country are covered with water", he said.

"We have opened the country's first canned fish factory. The second and third canned fish factories will be opened at Munadlama and Peliyagoda soon, the minister said.

Western Provincial Council Member M.M.Amjard, IFAD Project's Kalutara District Manager Neel Munasinghe also participated.