Good times ahead for fisheries industry says Rajitha

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Ministry spent around Rs 30 million to develop the fisheries industry in Panadura along with the Fisheries Department and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne said.

The minister said the Fisheries Department has spent Rs 14.2 million while IFAD spent over Rs 13 million. Around Rs 5.7 million had also been spent for road development projects and other funds had been spent to establish community centres, fisheries offices, distribute fisheries equipment and to grant donations for self-employment.

Minister Seneratne was addressing a ceremony in Panadura where he opened a number of development projects in the area.

"All measures are in place to establish another seven fisheries harbours in the country. The construction of these harbours will begin next year. They are be completed by 2015 and all other anchor lodges and fish landing centres required for the fisheries industry's development will be completed during the same period," he said.

"We hope to have a big fish harvest than last year. We also hope to double our export income by increasing exports and developing the quality of our fish products. We have taken measures to uplift the livelihood of the fisheries community," the minister said.

Minor Export Crop Promotion Minister Reginald Cooray and Panadura Pradeshiya Sabha member Ajith Solloman were also present.