Reap financial benefits from sea 'harvest' - Rajitha

CHRISTIE FERNANDO, Chilaw special correspondent

Tamils in the North and East now have a boom-time in reaping economic benefits from fishing activities in the aftermath of the 30-year ethnic conflict, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne said.

Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Minister Dr Rajitha Senaratne addressing the workshop.

Dr Senaratne was addressing participants at a knowledge dissemination workshop titled 'Promoting rural income from sustainable aquaculture through social learning in Sri Lanka' in Marawila last week.

The minister said: "The coastal communities in the South and East have a good potential for seaweed cultivation. It provides an alternative livelihood occupation to raise their living standards and promote sustainable use of marine and coastal resources." He said there is also an increased demand for oysters from tourists; and the export of live-oysters has begun.

"We have also started cultivating seaweed. It has substantial economic benefits to the rural fisheries communities. It is a money-spinner in terms of foreign exchange to the country," he said. The minister said oyster farming is considered a lucrative industry since it accrues substantial environmental benefits to cultivators. A Japanese investor has promised job opportunities for Sri Lankans, he said.

"We have also started nurturing lobsters. We request you to join hands with this industry. But it should be done in a methodical and disciplined manner. Even shrimp farming should be done in an appropriate way. Otherwise, the future of aquaculture is bound to collapse. There are rules and regulations enforced to expedite this industry and if rules are not observed, the stakeholders will incur unparalleled loses as in the past with 'White spot' diseases, etc," Dr Senaratne said.

The minister said there is also a demand for small-sized prawns for cocktails. "A novel enterprise to embark on, would be to cultivate 'white prawns' popular in the USA. We have 160,000 hectares of brackish, lagoon water and 103,300 hectares of water in the island. We are forging ahead in the export of fisheries and aquaculture products and thereby making large profits. Thailand and Vietnam are far ahead of us. But we are trailing behind them," Dr Senaratne said.

Dr Sam Daniel delivered the welcome address.

Wayamba University Professor D S Jayakody, project specialist, International Development Research Centre, Canada Dr Sara Ahmed, Wayamba Provincial Ministry Secretary of Road Development, Electricity, Housing and Construction Kumari Weerasekera, Dr Tim Dejagar of Canada and Prasanna Sandawruwan also spoke.