Seychelles help for Lanka's fisheries industry

Seychelles is ready to assist Sri Lanka develop its fisheries industry, Seychelles President James A Michel told Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne. Michel met Dr Senaratne who was on an official tour to Seychelles recently.

"Sri Lanka's fisheries industry is developing rapidly with the end of the war. We have the opportunity to develop the fisheries industry with Sri Lanka's support. We are always ready to grant our fullest cooperation for the development of Sri Lanka," he said. Michel also praised President Mahinda Rajapaksa for eradicating terrorism.

"Seychelles and Sri Lanka are islands. Tourism is one of our main industries. We can reap more benefits working jointly. The fisheries industry is also important for both countries. A good fish harvest will support the economic development of our countries," he said.

Minister Senaratne said President Rajapaksa always stresses the need to protect resources in the Indian Ocean in collaboration with other countries in the region.

The minister said since Sri Lanka and Seychelles share the same ocean, others should not be allowed to exploit its resources in a manner disadvantageous to both countries.

He suggested the pooling of experience and knowledge on Indian Ocean affairs by forming an alliance between countries sharing the Indian Ocean.

Minister Senaratne and President Michel stressed the need to protect Indian Ocean's resources and said others should not be allowed to plunder the resources of the ocean, which were commonly owned by countries of the Indian Ocean.

The Seychelles President said his country is ready to share Sri Lanka's experience in maritime security and suggested establishing closer cooperation between security establishments between the two countries.

Ceylon Fisheries Corporation chairman Maheel Senaratne, Cey-Nor Foundation chairman Sarath Kumara, National Aquatic Resources Research and Development Agency chairman Dr Sayuru Samarasundara, National Aquaculture Development Authority chairman Jayatha Chandrasoma and Seychelles Industrial and Natural Resources Minister Peter Sinon and Seychelles Fisheries Authority chairman Philippe Michaud also participated in the discussion.