Over Rs. 100 m spent by government:

'Fisheries industry third contributor to economy' - minister

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The fisheries industry is Sri Lanka's third contributor to economic growth and is second only to tourism and the minor export crop industry, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr. Rajitha Senaratne said.

The minister said, "The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry has made arrangements to introduce new technologies to develop the industry. It has introduced Thilapiya and Moda fish farming methods to the fisheries community with the National Aquatic Resources Development Authority and National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency (NARA). The fish farming methods are self employment projects and could bring in a good income".

Minister Senaratne was addressing a gathering during an inspection tour of the fisheries projects in the Trincomalee and Ampara districts.

He said: "The fisheries community in Trincomalee commenced Moda fish farming under the guidance of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Deputy Minister Susantha Punchinilame. Over 45 families in the districts are involved in it. The Civil Defence Force has also commenced Moda fish farming in the Upparuwa lagoon.

"The government has spent over Rs.100 million for the development of the fisheries industry in Trincomalee and Ampara. The country has lost years of development and billions of rupees due to three decades of terrorism.

"All should support the government to make Sri Lanka the 'Wonder of Asia' under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa", the minister said.

Minister Senaratne and Deputy Minister Punchinilame distributed fishing vessels and equipment to the fisheries community in these districts and released a large number of Moda fingerlings to a fishing cage in Trincomalee.